How to carry a Christmas tree on a (cargo)bike

It’s that festive time of year again: the moment to pick out your Christmas tree!

For many families, choosing the perfect tree is a beloved tradition that marks the start of the holiday season. Kids love the excitement of finding just the right one, but how do you get it home?

The answer is simple: by bike!

Whether you’re using a standard bike, a tandem, a trike, a trailer, or a cargo bike, transporting your Christmas tree by bike can be a fun and memorable experience.

While you're planning your festive cycling adventures, don’t miss our guide to Christmas gifts for kids who love cycling. It’s packed with inspiration for budding young riders.

#TreeByBike tradition

Back in 2014, Melissa and Chris Bruntlett launched the #TreeByBike campaign on Twitter to show sceptics that it’s entirely possible to transport a large Christmas tree by bike.

this heartwarming initiative has grown into a global tradition. Each year, more people are proudly joining the #TreeByBike movement, proving that bikes aren’t just for commuting, they’re a practical and eco-friendly way to carry even the most unlikely of cargo.

While a cargo bike, such as a longtail bike or electric box bike can make things easier, many people manage just fine with a standard bike and a bit of creativity.

Top tips for carrying a Christmas tree on a bike

When we asked the Family Cycling UK community for advice, and your responses were brilliant -thank you! Turns out, a horizontally positioned Christmas tree on your bike can even act as a deterrent to close passes from cars.

Here are our top tips for a successful #TreeByBike journey:

Wrap up warm; yourself and your kids!

Staying warm is key for everyone involved. Make sure you’ve got hats, gloves and scarves ready.

We've got guides to the best kids' winter cycling gloves, as well as advice on how to keep your child's head warm under their bike helmet.

If your child is riding in a seat or a cargo bike, consider adding an extra layer like a blanket. A Bundle bean blanket is a fantastic option - it’s fleece-lined, waterproof, and perfect for cargo bike adventures.

Don’t forget, you might spend a bit of time outdoors picking out your tree, so dress for the weather. For an extra festive touch, add some tinsel or don a Santa hat - you’re guaranteed to spread holiday cheer!

Make sure you still have good visibility

If you’re securing the tree to the front or back of your bike, double-check that it doesn’t block your view. For added safety, try to pick a quieter time of day if you’ll be cycling on busy roads.

If the tree obscures your view entirely, pushing the bike might still be a more convenient option than carrying the tree home by hand.

Bring bungees or straps to secure your Christmas tree to the bike

To safely attach your Christmas tree to your bike, pack bungee cords or sturdy straps. They’ll help keep everything secure during your ride.

Make sure there’s room for your kids

If you’re using a cargo bike, longtail, or box bike, ensure there’s still space for your kids once the tree is loaded.

With a box bike, you could add a rear rack seat for your child, leaving the box free for the tree. If that’s not possible, aim to carry the tree as close to home as you can, so your children can easily walk the rest of the way if needed.

Buy your tree locally

Choosing a local tree supplier can make life much easier. Not only will it cut down on travel time, but it also means you can quickly pop home if you find yourself overloaded with extras like a stand or decorations.

Before you go.....

Planning on giving a kids’ bike as a gift this year? You’ll need to figure out how to wrap it and get it under that Christmas tree you’ve just transported. For ideas and inspiration, check out our guide: How to wrap a kids bike for Christmas.

Happy cycling and happy holidays!