Bike Tow Leash

Q: Why is the BTL only shown using a dog collar? 

A: We don’t typically use a harness with the BTL as you have better communication and control with a wide non-choke flat collar. The BTL has more dampening of forces and pulls to the side of the neck and on the outside shoulder. Therefore fewer throat area concerns than other products that pull up on the throat area. Go to BikeTowLeash Operating Instructions (PDF) where you can find complete operating instructions available in both Spanish and English.

Q: What makes the 1-Running-Dog BTL safer than other products?

A: With dogs that pull you are much safer. The BTL design takes into account both the laws of Physics and dog behavior. Simply put, with a regular leash and other products, when the dog pulls sideways, you tip over. With the BTL the dog's ability to pull to the side is reduced and the tipping forces are virtually eliminated.  With weight on the bike, a single finger can keep the bike upright when the dog pulls sideways. Additionally, the BTL, like no other product, automatically communicates direction commands to the dog. 

Q: Can I use the BTL with a Mobility Scooter. Wheelchair or Tricycle?

A: Yes, Bike Tow leash works great with electric mobility scooters (ECVs), manual wheelchairs, powerchairs and trikes. Just attach the clamp to seat, armrest or similar bar near your seat and tighten accordingly. If you require a wheelchair mobility scooter rental anywhere in North America, visit http://www.scootaround.com.  The BTL, primarily for bicycles, also will attach and work great on mobility scooters, chairs, trikes and other personal mobility devices. The BTL will prevent toe pinches from the wheels while providing the same control and communication benefits as when biking.  For these special needs applications, please contact us prior to purchase for specific installation instructions for your mobility device. Emailing photos and links to the equipment is a great help and time saver.

Q: When ordering a Bike Tow Leash through this website, is my credit card information secure?

A: Yes, Bike Tow Leash uses a secure connection to place your order and never stores your credit card information.

Q: Does the 1-Running Dog BTL only attach to the left side of the bike?

A: The purpose of the BTL is to ride safely with your dog. A dog on the right hand side of the bike is exposed to the chain and front sprocket on the right side of all bicycles. Keeping the dog on the left side of the bicycle, distances the dog from these hazards. Additionally, Dogs are taught to heel on the left and so look for directions to their right. We have found dogs do not react as well on the right side of the bicycle. It may fit some bicycles on the right but for all these reasons, you and your dog's enjoyment and safety, having a dog on the right is not recommended. If your bike has a complete chain guard and your dog is trained for right side travel we can see how it fits. 

Q: How do I select the spot to attach the BTL?

A: The inner clamp needs to clamp flat rear wheel mount or clamp across two rounded frame members low and close to the rear axle as possible.

Q: Where do the washers go?

A: The washers are used under the knobs as spacers, on bikes with thin frames, to keep the bolts from sticking through the top of the knobs and to allow the knobs to turn when up against the axle.  Otherwise leave them in their original position between the clamps.
Note: the washers have been eliminated by taller knobs 8/10.

 

Q: How do I know when I have mounted the BTL properly?

A: When you can hold the bike vertical at the seat using a single finger, pull the Bike Tow Leash to the side and the bike doesn't tip and the clamp remains tight.

Q: How do I determine if the BTL is tightened enough?

A: Typically, tighten the knobs as much as you can by hand. Test tightness by rotating the mast back behind the bike repeatedly. If the clamp remains stationary, it is tight enough. If it moves, it may need to be repositioned to a flatter surface for better clamping. Check security between rides as the clamps intentionally conform to the bike frame over time making a custom fit.   

 

Q: Does setting up the Bike Tow Leash require tools?

A: Setting up the Bike Tow Leash on your bicycle requires NO TOOLS! Set up the Bike Tow Leash in just minutes.

Q: Where can I ride my bike with my dog using the BTL?

A: Start in a familiar area and your dog will spend less time trying to stop and sniff. The Bike Tow Leash is for off road use. You should limit the amount of pavement your dog runs on and drivers pay too little attention to both bicycles and dogs. Sidewalks, rail trails, dirt roads, bike trails, beaches and parks are great fun and you are obeying leash laws!

Q: Where do I apply the alcohol to adjust mast height?

A: Pour 1/2 ounce of 70% rubbing alcohol into the  coupling where it meets the outer clamp. Rotate the BTL all around to completely soak the inside of the coupling.  Let it soak in for 5 minutes, twist hard to break it  free.  A garage door roller track or vice may help for leverage.  Once dry, the mast will stick back in the new position.

Q: Are there things I should avoid when using the BTL?

A: Hot pavement, slippery surfaces, grates, glass, sandspurs, erratic turns and traffic.

Q: Is it possible for the dog, when startled, to move inward toward the bike?

A: Yes, the mast is a resilient barrier that gently nudges the dog away from you. When the dog is startled in too close, you have these options:
• It is best to keep moving. If there is room, steer and pedal away from her and the threat.
• Stop pedaling and nudge the dog away with the side of your foot. Resume pedaling away from the threat and tell her to "settle, leave it, let's go or watch me," which ever she responds best to.
• If you know where she may become spooked, try and ride in the direction that places the bike between her and the threat. She will then pull away from you.
• Of course if you do stop and she manages to get her head behind the front wheel, have her back out before proceeding.
Riding will make your dog more accustomed to the other dogs barking, etc.

Bicycle Recommendations:

Q: I am going out to buy a bike to use with my BTL, what type of bicycle is best?

A: The BTL is recommended with mountain and beach bicycles with fat knobby rear tire. This type bicycle, along with your dog, can readily negotiate trails, side walks and curbs. The wide wheels of these bicycles hold up to well to 1000's of safe miles of this type of riding. BTL mount directly on tadpole type recumbent tricycles and electric mobility scooters.  With an adapter, BTLs are also used on wheel chairs, Segways and electric shopping carts for the disabled.  If you have a special application please contact us.

 

Q: What type of bike brakes are best for using with the BTL?

A: Regular, well functioning caliper, hand brakes are best for controlling bike and dog's speed regardless of pedal or foot positions. Rear disc brakes can be a tight fit for mounting the BTL.  An extra step of pushing the upper bolt out of the inner clamp and threading it thru an opening in the disc  and or the bike frame may be required for installation.

Q: What do I do if I have a bike with rear disc brakes?

A: Disc brakes can offer challenges to available mounting space, but I've not found a bike we can't fit.   There are several ways to orient the clamp for secure mounting. To slip the inner clamp between the frame and the disc without rubbing, you may remove the upper bolt and pass it through disc openings then back through the inner clamp.  The inner clamp can also be oriented with the long end up or down to accomplish clamping. The flexible coupling can be rotated on the outer clamp bracket to adjust for dogs shoulder height even if the outer clamp requires mounting horizontal.  
 

The Following Numbered Photos Provide Installation Guidance

1. Hybrid cruiser bike is shown with BTL installed, left side, close the rear axle. The outer clamp is close to vertical with the flexible coupling on the bottom. Note the mast is directed up and forward. Rotate the clamp on the bike frame so the clip end of the mast is at the dog's shoulder height with bike vertical.

2. Shown is the most common placement of inner clamp clamping across 2 rounded frame members. Note; the  inner clamp bolts are above and below the 2 frame members. If these members are too far apart, put the long bent end of the inner clamp up to capture the upper frame member. 

3. Clamping across the axle mount with bolts above and below is the second most common mounting arrangement. Note: On thin frames the bolt ends must not protrude beyond the end of either knob. Add washers under the knobs to cover all the bolt threads. Also, the inner and outer clamps are covered to preventing slipping and to protect the bike's finish.

4. Thick frame member mounting shown with the supplied washers (black) on both bolts between the inner and outer clamps This is done for the bolts to reach across the thick red frame into the knobs.

5. Inner clamp must be slipped with long end up from forward of the disc aft into this positon. Note; during tightening, lift the clamping unit for securely clamping the upper cross member.

6. BTL fully installed on rear disc brake bike. Note: once clamped, make sure there is clearance between the inner clamp and the disc brake.

7. The BTL comes set for medium size dogs with the outer clamp vertical. The outer clamp can be rotated before tightening to adjust height. If the outer clamp cannot be rotated far enough, release the coupling by adding regular 70% rubbing alcohol all the way around inside the coupling as shown. Let stand about 5 minutes then twist hard, with knobs removed, to release coupling from outer clamp.    Adjust  so mast meets the dog's shoulder height with the bike standing vertical. Allow the alcohol to evaporate before use to lock coupling in place.

The BTL, primarily for bicycles, also will attach and work great on mobility scooters, chairs and other personal mobility devices.  For these special needs applications, please contact us prior to purchase for specific instructions for your device.  Emailing photos and links to the equipment is a great help and saves time.   

myangelwithpaws.org  Service Dog Providing Non-Profit Orgainzation in Florida

www.scootaround.com - Scooter and wheelchair rentals across North America.

newhorizonsservicedogs.org  Service & Pet Dog Providing Non-Profit Organization

dynamiteanimals.com  Dog Trainer in  Melbourne, Florida

www.dogwalker.com  Dog Walker Search Site for care givers in your area