How to Make a Bicycle Pet Carrier

To make a homemade bicycle pet carrier that looks factory-made, visit your local supermarket or thrift store. All grocery stores rely on heavy-duty plastic baskets that allow shoppers to gather groceries in these baskets. They discard them, stores go out of business, or you can pick them up at discount stores. These baskets can be made into pet carriers because they're tough and well ventilated enough for Fido or Tiger to see out of and still be protected. Putting two of these baskets together creates a big enough space to put most small dogs weighing up to about 24 pounds.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle
  • 1 bicycle rear cargo rack
  • 2 surplus grocery baskets
  • 2 bungee cords, 36 inches
  • Cordless drill
  • 4 bolts, 1/4-inch by 3/4 inches long
  • 4 washers and 4 nuts to fit bolts
  • 4 strips heavy-duty hook-and-loop material, 2 by 12 inches
  • 1 piece carpet, 24 inches square
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install the bicycle cargo rack on your bike if it doesn't already have one.

    • 2

      Remove the folding handle on both of the baskets. Brace the bike in a standing position, and place the basket on the back of the cargo rack. Wrap one of the bungee cords around the basket and the cargo rack. Make sure the rack is centered and then find two slots that run the length of the cargo rack.

    • 3

      Drill four holes, evenly spaced, through the bottom of the basket, while reaching underneath. Run the drill bit between the slots of the cargo rack as near to the front and back as possible.

    • 4

      Drop all four bolts with washers down through the holes, put the nuts on the bottom and tighten. Measure, cut and fit two pieces of carpet to bottom of basket.

    • 5

      Place the remaining basket on top of the bike basket. Run the hook-and-loop strips through slots along the joining edges along one side, creating a hinge. If the slots don't align with each other, use a utility knife or hacksaw to widen them or make slots where you need them. When they are all the way through, tighten them. Run the hook-and-loop material on the other side, this time making the slots farther apart vertically to create a handle or strap that can be easily hooked and unhooked at will.
      Place your pet in the basket. Tighten the strap and go for a test-ride.