Shopping by bike is quicker and easier than most people think

• You get your exercise while you shop
• You don't have to worry about finding a parking spot, you can often lock your bike right outside the door
• It's much easier to carry heavy shopping bags on a bicycle than it is to lug them to the car
• Your local shops and markets get the custom they need to stay open
• You save money on parking and petrol
• Cycling makes it easier to stop and chat with friends
• Fewer cars on the roads means safer streets, less noise and pollution and a more liveable neighbourhood

A few tips

• Buy less and shop more often, a great way to ensure you have fresh food
• Shop locally
• Find a route you prefer, preferably one that avoids steep hills and busy roads
• Consider home delivery for bulky or heavy items
• Keep your tyres pumped up to reduce drag
• Ask your bike shop to check that your tyres and rims can carry the extra load
• Use a good bicycle lock and take your valuables with you
• Don't lean your bike against windows or leave it in anyone's way
• If your local shopping centre doesn't have bicycle racks ask the shopkeepers, centre management or your local government to install some

There are a number of options to carry shopping on a bike

• Backpacks or courier bags, a low cost solution. 
• Luggage racks, an essential item for any bicycle used regularly for shopping or commuting. Racks can fit over the front or back wheel and you can strap your shopping on top or fit a basket or panniers to pack your purchases into. Make sure you check the rack's load capacity.
• Baskets, they can be attached to your handle bar and taken with you when shopping and are suitable for lighter loads such as papers, bread and milk.
• Panniers, these are saddle bags which hang off your rear or front rack. Good quality panniers are more expensive but are invalueable for regular commuters who need to take a laptop and a change of clothes or for cycle touring.
• Bicycle trailers allow you to easily carry big, heavy or awkward loads. They attach in a few seconds and a range of models are available depending on your need and budget.

Why not check out a new invention which not only provides you with a trailer but also a shopping trolley at mysmarttrolley.com.au