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The bicycle is a wonderful and freeing mode of transportation. The bicycle, first invented in Europe in the nineteenth century, is today the world’s most popular vehicle. The bicycle allowed for easy travel — 3 times more energy efficient than walking, and 3-4 times as fast as walking. Bicycles and horse buggies were the two biggest modes of private transportation just prior to the invention of the automobile. The grading of smooth roads in the late 19th century was stimulated by the wide use of bikes. Bicycles are pragmatic, functional, and efficient. They are a big component of a healthy urban transportation system. The bicycle is a simple and elegant machine, attracting just about any kid of all ages, from 2 to 92. Bicycling has many health benefits for you, and it does not directly contribute to global warming or environmental pollution. It is a wonderful sport that brings health and joy to millions of people everywhere.

Do you want to travel with your dog during your bike rides and wondered if it was safe? There are several ways of enjoying your bike and your pet simultaneously, but some methods are more safe than others.

With large dogs, you could do a fast version of walking the dog — you on your bicycle and your dog on a leash. Yes, this method gives both you and your dog exercise, but at what risk? You’ve increased the width that automobile drivers need to avoid, which may be fine on low speed, less travelled roads. But this is not advised on busier streets. Also your safety is now in your hands as well as the paws of your dog. Are you prepared for your dog quickly veering off track after a stray cat? What about your dog’s safety? Be careful not to run your pet too long on a hard surface. This can not only cause joint problems, but also bleeding of the paws. There is a lot at stake and a lot of uncertainties when you bike-jog with your pet.

You could take even more risks by allowing your dog to run ahead of you without a leash. This would eliminate the problem of your safety being in the paws of your pet, but it brings up all sorts of other issues, like laws. It is unlawful in most areas to allow your dog to run freely without a leash, no matter how well trained he is.

For small to medium dogs, there is a much safer method of bicycling with your pet — pet bicycle trailer. Actually, some pet bicycle trailers can accommodate pets up to 115 pounds. With one of these attached to the back of your bicycle, you can maintain your active lifestyle and get your pet out in the fresh air. Going to the park to give your pet a little fun and exercise? Why not get some exercise yourself on the trip there and back, without tiring them out along the way? You can put any small to medium pet in a pet bicycle trailer. Of course, it might take some getting used to and training, especially for the more high strung pets. The Trek’R and the Burley Tail Wagon are both high quality trailers.

There are precautions when using a pet bicycle trailer. When riding, your pet should always be secured with the safety leash adjusted to the correct length. Do not exceed the weight capacity of your pet bicycle trailer. Check the inflation of your bicycle and trailer tires before every ride. Check the connection of the trailer to your bicycle before your bicycle ride. Riding with the pet bicycle trailer increases your braking distance and may affect your ability to control your bicycle. Practice in a safe area before riding with the trailer in high-traffic areas. Always wear a safety helmet when riding.

There is one more way to enjoy your bike rides and your pets, too — a pet carrier that fits on your bicycle’s handle bars. This is only recommended for small pets up to around 15 pounds — your pet bike carrier will specify the exact weight limit. Now you can have your dog share in the fun of a bike ride. Bike ride with your pet in front of you with a center-mounted bicycle pet carrier. You’re closer to your pet and can better enjoy his company with a bicycle pet carrier, like the Pet Cruiser Sport Carrier and the Pet Cruiser Wicker Cruiser.

There are precautions when using handlebar mounted pet carriers. Never leave your pet unattended or alone in the basket. Never leave your animal confined or unattended in direct sunlight or anytime there is a risk of overheating. Be sure to secure your pet with the harness. Do NOT speed while riding with your pet. You must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Do not ride when it the roads are wet. Do not ride in the dark. Check everything over before riding. Do not exceed weight capacity limit specified by your bicycle carrier. Do not install safety straps in any way that might interfere with brake cables, brake levers, or gear control shifters of your bicycle.

Cats have been our human companions for many years — more than 6,000. Cats may disagree, but they can be happily kept inside all the time, and an indoor cat is much healthier and safer than an unprotected outdoor cat. But cats must at least be able to see what’s going on outside.

Most cats will want to go out side no matter what, but cats are not a natural part of our ecosystem. The domestic cat is a descendant of the wild cat of Africa and southwestern Asia. Cats were introduced to North America by the Europeans who brought in large numbers in the nineteenth century in an attempt to control the rodent population. Cats who are allowed to roam freely outside are at risk for getting injured or killed by a car, and cats left roaming in rural areas have a fairly high incidence of FIV.

It’s true — outdoor cats have become a problem in the United States. They threaten to bird and other small animals, including endangered birds. They kill over 4 million birds in the United States each year, and they compete with some native predators. Many people assume that a cat can provide a benefit by killing certain animals such as mice, but mice are native mammals and important to maintaining a biological diverse ecosystem.

Also un-spayed cats can multiply like crazy. A female cat can have up to three litters of 4 to 6 kittens per litter per year. That’s up to 18 kittens every year for a single un-spayed cat. Cats want to play and do what cats are meant to do, but they need to be controlled. Cats make wonderful companions, but owners must prevent their cat from being a nuisance to their neighbors.

If you want your cat to be able to play outdoors, consider an outdoor cat enclosure. Outdoor cat enclosures provide your cat with a way to roam in the outdoors safely and securely. Outdoor cat enclosures give your cats safe access to outdoor sights, sounds, and smells, without the dangers. Today’s outdoor cat enclosures are much more than just cat houses or cages. They can be the “talk of the town” — colorful pathways and condos for kitty fun. Outdoor Cat Enclosures provide you with a way to allow your cat to roam in the outdoors safely and securely.

You’ll want to pick the right outdoor cat enclosure. Make sure that the material that it is made out of has a small mesh grade, and that it is entirely enclosed. It should be large enough to provide the cat with enough space to walk around and climb freely. One big difference between an outdoor cat enclosure and an outdoor dog run is that you must ensure the top is securely enclosed for cats and there are no escape routes between the ground and the enclosure.

The Kittywalk outdoor cat enclosures are very wonderful, high quality cat enclosures. Some of them stake quickly and easily into your lawn and allows your cat to relax in the fresh air, watch the birds, exercise and enjoy the sunshine without the risks of escape or injury. Some models are totally enclosed, even on the ground. Kittywalk makes their high quality outdoor cat enclosures out of industrial strength fishnet, weaved to steel hoop shaped pieces that easily stakes firmly into the ground. The basic Kittywalk unit can be attached to a cat door or left free-standing, and it is portable.

Kittywalk Outdoor Pet Enclosures will endure rain or shine — from summer to winter. The material they use is weather resistant and will not rust, rot or mildew. Kittywalk Systems are sturdy and help protect your pet friend from injury and attack from other animals. Kittywalk has received numerous industry awards for innovative design as well as being featured on radio, television, newspapers and magazines all across the US. Their outdoor cat enclosures are designed to be connected together to form different configurations so your indoor cat can have plenty of room to roam outside and many different things to do. Kittywalk Curves consists of two or four 45 degree arcs that connect to Kittywalk Systems enclosures allowing you to navigate your cat enclosure design around common backyard obstacles. Kittywalk outdoor cat enclosures are fun outdoor containment systems that let your indoor cat safely enjoy the great outdoors.