Bringing A Bike With You?

I know Daniel has mentioned doing this but I'm curious. Is it legal to have a bike strapped to the back of the cab? And what do you use? Rope? Bungee cord? I'm seriously thinking about bringing a mode of transportation with me but my company was unsure if I'm actually allowed to.

I know Daniel said he used 4 bungee cords and a heavy chain with a padlock to keep it behind the tractor. In the thread Daniel's bike rides he mentions he has never had anyone say anything while driving or going through weigh stations. I don't know if it is because it is legal or just that no one pays attention! Who'da thunk a trucker might want exercise!

I had a smaller mountain bike on the road for a while. i was able to stick it in the belly pan of the trailer and run a 2-inch ratcheting strap underneath holding the front tire up (which stuck out of the pan a little bit). If you don't flatbed you obviously can't do that. I've seen drivers put them on the back of their cab, i believe the general rule is that you need something that is actual 'load securement equipment' so it has to be something with a listed working load limit (so unfortunately bungees don't help). Legally you won't have issue, but the rules from company to company will vary, so if this is something important to you, ask the recruiters at each company you apply for.

Oh I already have a local job that I do some overnights with but they weren't sure if I was legally allowed to

Bungees are totally fine. Bungees hold down heavy tarps, they can easily hold down a bike that weighs no where near what a tarp weighs.

Ill post a video soon, my wife is being a bit lazy about it and then she hurt her ankle so it's taking some convincing.

The way I have it strapped is very nice. I run a ton of CA and everyone knows their DOT is strict and they've never said anything to me about it.

Sure, you can ask your recruiter but I honestly don't think a recruiter will have much to say to you. It's a question they don't get often. Quite frankly, I could care less about what my company thinks about it, no one will stop me from attempting to live a healthy life on the road.

Something to keep in mind - even though it is good that you've never gotten hassled by DOT for it, bungees do not technically count as load securement. I've known guys to get written up for having 4x4s attached to their landing gear with bungees. I'm not saying the bungees are unsafe, i would just hate to see anyone get a ticket for it from a DOT officer having a bad day.

Something to keep in mind - even though it is good that you've never gotten hassled by DOT for it, bungees do not technically count as load securement. I've known guys to get written up for having 4x4s attached to their landing gear with bungees. I'm not saying the bungees are unsafe, i would just hate to see anyone get a ticket for it from a DOT officer having a bad day.

True, but a bungee on each side of the bike and two on top with a chain holding it on top also, I would love to hear their argument on how it's unsafe.

Not to mention, the bike weighs only 24lb. The rating on those bungees can easily hold it up. It's also very tight and has no wiggle room.

But it really wouldn't matter since I'm the driver and he's the officer. But a risk I'd gladly take.

Something to keep in mind - even though it is good that you've never gotten hassled by DOT for it, bungees do not technically count as load securement. I've known guys to get written up for having 4x4s attached to their landing gear with bungees. I'm not saying the bungees are unsafe, i would just hate to see anyone get a ticket for it from a DOT officer having a bad day.

True, but a bungee on each side of the bike and two on top with a chain holding it on top also, I would love to hear their argument on how it's unsafe.

Not to mention, the bike weighs only 24lb. The rating on those bungees can easily hold it up. It's also very tight and has no wiggle room.

But it really wouldn't matter since I'm the driver and he's the officer. But a risk I'd gladly take.

the chain probably would save you. I agree with you that it is safe, but because bungees have no WLL they can't legally hold on a load (the bike, in this case).

here is an interesting little post by a company that makes bungees. http://www.universalpolymer.com/blog/misconceptions-about-tarp-straps-and-wll/

Bungees are totally fine. Bungees hold down heavy tarps, they can easily hold down a bike that weighs no where near what a tarp weighs.

Not picking on Daniel here, but I have to agree with Steve. Just because no one has bothered you about it yet doesn't mean anything, there is always that one officer who really knows his stuff. I find that most of them don't really know half of what they should know when it comes to load securement. The truth is that bungees don't count as load securement devices because they do not have a weight load limit assigned to them. Sure they hold down tarps, but tarps are not considered as a part of your load. I agree that since you have a chain on there also then you probably are legal, but a two inch ratcheting strap might save you some trouble one day as a better way to go than the bungees.

Here we go hijacking this poor thread arguing about securing Daniel's "kid" bike to his tractor.

Heavy C, it's perfectly legal to do as long as you are using a legitimate securement device.

Thanks everyone. Never looked at a personal bicycle as a "load". But it makes sense. Hopefully I can convince my company to let me strap the bike to the back and bring it along.