Forum Topic

Woman driving with newborn on her lap

Couldn’t believe what I saw earlier in Chiswick… mother driving a Mini with her young baby on her lap and up against the steering wheel… hope the police stopped the car and made the baby safe…

Emma Elizabeth ● 1473d14 Comments

Today I saw a woman drive off without putting on her seat-belt, and with a small dog in her lap. Ever something new!

Robert Fish ● 1472d

Some contributors might suggest it would be much safer if the driver was on a bicycle with the baby balanced on the back!

Peter Evans ● 1472d

I’ve seen a few with their toddlers and youngsters packed into a wooden crate in front of their bike.One guy even has all his dogs in a crate with an electric bike going at speed. Is that reportable to the RSPCA?

Russell Pearson ● 1472d

And at the back - which is safer?

Russell Pearson ● 1472d

Some might think its no safer than cycling with 1-4 kids at the front in a wooden box.

Julian Pavey ● 1472d

Ha you beat me to it I have to say that you would not get me putting kids in a wooden box and cycling on the road. I kind of find it dam dangerous. It only takes one hard knock and it could be good night vienna

Julian Pavey ● 1472d

I’ve seen the look of horror when they’re packed in. Think that’s more from the cold wet experience rather than any idea of the risks. Sort of, ‘can’t we just walk to school today daddy, or use your nice warm car?’

Russell Pearson ● 1471d

Why do you bring this around to cycling Russell?  As the saying goes,  two wrongs don't make a right.  Don't you agree that having a child on your lap whilst driving is shocking behaviour?  If you have to stop suddenly the child will get thrown forward or crushed. 

Nora Watkins ● 1471d

Child endangerment is child endangerment regardless of vehicle, Nora.All forms of it are reprehensible.

David Lesniak ● 1471d

I agree David,  but this post is about someone driving with a child on their lap.  That's illegal.  I assume the dangers of cargo bikes have been assessed and it's legal.  That's hardly comparable.

Nora Watkins ● 1471d

How odd to base the safety of children on assumption.

David Lesniak ● 1471d

Would you like to elaborate David? Driving with a child on your lap is dangerous and illegal isn’t it?

Nora Watkins ● 1471d

Sure thing, Nora. Is it legal to put kids of any age (but for kicks lets go with 4-year olds) in a cargo bike without helmets? That can be seen regularly. Is it legal to let a child stand on your e-scooter, again without helmet? Often this happens with illegal e-scooters but you can put blinders on and focus on those for hire.  Again, 4-year old holding on, no helmet. No seat belt. Presumably a cargo bike would have one. Don't assume. Prove. Try it.

David Lesniak ● 1471d

I see you didn’t actually answer my question. I don’t cycle so I don’t have an opinion on cargo bikes. I decided to GoogleIt and couldn’t see anything about it being illegal.  If you can prove otherwise then please do. Otherwise it’s just your opinion. Having a child on an e-scooter is illegal as far as I can tell.  You aren’t allowed passengers on the rental ones, and the personal ones aren’t road legal are they?

Nora Watkins ● 1470d