A bike basket can convert any bicycle into a cargo bike
. Bike baskets can be 10 to 20 inches across: small enough to fit a child's bike or large enough to carry a case of beer. For carrying grocery bags, the width should be at least 7 inches.
* Easy to keep an eye on items in the basket: especially important when transporting dogs and other pets. Dedicated pet baskets, such as those by Snoozer, are also available.
* Additional weight can make bicycle difficult to steer. Unsecured, loose items that slide from side to side are especially dangerous.
* Basket mountings can interfere with brake and gear-shift cables on the handlebars.
* Can block front reflector or lamp. For these cases, baskets that can mount a reflector/lamp on the front enable the reflector/lamp to be shifted to the basket.
Simple baskets are attached to the handlebars with straps or hooks. Some have handles and can be lifted up and carried into the grocery store. This also works well with folding bikes.
For medium sized baskets and heavier cargo, bracket-mount baskets are used. The mounting bracket is bolted on to the handlebars and the basket is attached with a quick-release mechanism. A small padlock can prevent theft.