We know that riding a bike is more than just a way to get from point A to point B - it’s an experience, a connection to your environment, and for some of us, a chance to bond with our four-legged friend.
That’s why we created the Pinellas Bike Basket - inspired by Po Campo founder Maria Boustead's sweet dog Val, the Pinellas is a bike basket designed to safely carry your small dog while still fitting seamlessly into your everyday ride.
For our recent campaign highlighting the Pinellas, we were thrilled to feature Pat, a local Realtor and community advocate in St. Petersburg, Florida, alongside her laid-back dog Lola. Their joyful chemistry and shared love of biking made them the perfect duo to showcase what’s possible when you make room on your bike, and in your life, for your pet.
In this post, we’re diving into everything you need to know about biking with your dog, from choosing the right gear to tips on how to safely cruise with your pup. Along the way, we’ll share highlights from Pat’s story and why the Pinellas Bike Basket became Lola’s favorite outdoor activity.
Why Ride With Your Dog?
There’s something magical about sharing that blissful feeling of the wind in your hair and the sun on your face while bike riding with your pup, and seeing their ears flopping with the breeze only adds to the joy. Biking with your dog is more than adorable (though it absolutely is that) - it’s a fun, low-impact activity that benefits you both.
Benefits of biking with your dog include:
- Strengthening your bond through shared adventures outside of the daily walk around the block
- Keeping active without high-impact stress on your pet’s joints
- Reducing reliance on car trips for everyday errands
- Exploring more places together - parks, markets, beaches, and more
- Turning even mundane commutes into moments of joy
“I now own the Bedford Backpack Pannier, and I love it! It allows me to ride from downtown to Gulfport and do my work while getting on the trails,” Pat shared. “And now Lola gets to come along too in the Pinellas Basket!”
The Pinellas Bike Basket: Designed for Dogs and Everyday Adventures
If you’re dreaming of riding with your dog, choosing the right bike basket for dogs is key. It needs to be secure enough to keep your pet safe, comfortable enough for them to enjoy the ride, and stylish enough that you actually want it on your bike. That’s why we made the Pinellas Bike Basket.
Designed for small dogs up to 15 lbs, the Pinellas features a structured, padded interior, two internal safety tethers that attach to your dog’s harness, and thoughtful details like a grommet for easy clean ups, a convertible shoulder strap, and multiple pockets for treats, leashes, and more. Bonus: the drawstring lid closure adds an extra layer of security from the elements while riding.
“Lola was a natural and was very chill in the beautiful bike basket,” Pat said after the shoot. “The whole experience was great—we all felt comfortable with each other and made new friends.”
Pinellas Pro Tip:
The Pinellas Bike Basket is designed to securely attach to your handlebars using the German-engineered KlickFix® adapter, ensuring a stable ride - whether you're carrying groceries or cruising with your pup. Already own a KlickFix®? You can now purchase the Pinellas without the adapter, so there's no need to double up
How Biking With Your Dog Can Change Your Lifestyle
Including your dog in your biking routine might be a small change but it can have a huge impact, encouraging healthier habits and more outdoor time for you both.
Here’s how biking with your dog can enhance your life:
1. It Encourages Daily Activity
Knowing your dog’s along for the ride is powerful motivation to get outside. Even short trips become an opportunity for movement, sunshine, and fresh air.
2. It Adds Joy to Errands and Commutes
Picking up groceries? Heading to a meeting? Your dog in a basket makes everything feel a little lighter. You’ll make people smile and feel more connected to your community.
3. It Connects You to Your Neighborhood
Riding with your dog builds community. It invites conversations, creates shared moments, and helps you explore your city in a more personal way.
“St. Pete is becoming a very bike-friendly city and I am happy to be a part of it,” Pat said. “I even have a plan to design bike tours through neighborhoods to showcase those hidden gems not available by car.”
4. It Reduces Your Carbon Pawprint
Choosing to bike over drive, especially for short, local trips, means less pollution, fewer traffic headaches, and a healthier planet.
5. It Promotes Mindful Living
Biking slows you down (in a good way). With your pup in tow, it’s a beautiful reminder to stay present and enjoy the little things.
Tips for Safe and Joyful Rides With Your Dog
Ready to start your own two-wheeled adventures with your pup? Here are our top tips:
- Train Slowly: Let your dog get used to the basket while it’s on the ground before going for a ride.
- Always Use a Harness: Use a harness to secure them to our Safe Tether System™ in your Pinellas (or any basket you choose) - this limits the risk of them getting loose and jumping out while you're riding.
- Pack Essentials: Water, treats, waste bags, and a blanket go a long way.
- Ride at a Comfortable Pace: Go slower than usual and avoid sudden bumps while they're getting used to being in the basket.
- Check the Weather: Avoid extreme temperatures and consider pet sun protection on hot days.
Riding Together, Building Community
At Po Campo, we believe biking is a vehicle for change, not just for your routine, but for your community. That belief is shared by Pat, whose love of cycling extends far beyond her own handlebars.
After moving to St. Pete and meeting local activist Josette (read her story here), Pat became the first volunteer for the St. Petersburg Black History Bike Tour, helping build awareness and celebrate the stories of Black residents and neighborhoods.
“I was looking to volunteer in St. Pete… after a long conversation and discussing the need for the Black History of St. Pete to be told… it was a match!”
Though she’s since stepped back from that role, Pat continues to serve her neighborhood as a board member of the Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association, and now, she’s doing it with Lola in her basket.
Shop the Look: Po Campo Gear for Dog-Friendly Riders
Pinellas Bike Basket – Ideal for small dogs and everyday errands
Bedford Backpack Pannier – Perfect for working on the go, just like Pat
Customized Bike Bags – Add your pet’s name or a motivational mantra
Life Is Better With a Pup in Your Basket
Whether you’re riding through Florida’s palm-lined streets or your local park trail, bringing your dog along turns every ride into an adventure.
“I am looking forward to many more rides under the sun and making biking my main form of workout as well as transportation in the beautiful city of St. Pete.” — Pat
With the right gear and a little planning, biking with your dog can be safe, stylish, and full of heart. So get out there, clip in, leash up, and let the adventures roll.
P.S. Pat isn’t just a biking enthusiast - she’s also a passionate Realtor with Realty One Group Sunshine in St. Pete. As a woman-owned brand, we love supporting other women in business. Moving to St. Pete? Check out Pat on Instagram at @vargasgirlhomes and her work in the St. Pete community!
