It also converts into a double buggy, and you can even put skis on it if it snows.The big disadvantage is that the children sit behind you, which means you can’t see or hear them Marietta, particularly, didn’t like this. The Chariot (from £365) is available from Bikefix ( www.bikefix.co.uk; 020-7405 1218)The best of the restThe Triobike – from £2,000 ( www.triobike )Similar to the Christiania, but made of lightweight materials. The Kangaroo Bike (£1,695) is available from www.kangaroobike (07952 382 479). And while it sometimes seems like too much effort, it always feels good afterwards.The Christiania (from £1,250) and the Bakfiets (from £1,150) are available from Velorution ( www.velorution.biz, 020-7637 4004).

As well as feeling safer with them sitting in front of you, you can talk to them and point things out.By the end of the week, we were sorry to see the last cycle returned. While they would struggle to replace our car, for any family thinking of buying a second vehicle, they are a serious alternative They force you to brave the elements, and to have fun. The lightness, and a rolling centre bar that counterbalances the tricycle going around corners, also made it easier to ride.Like the Christiania, it was too wide for our front door. But the woman who lent it to us said that she leaves it in her front garden, locked and with a cover over it – a bit like a motorcycle.

All these bikes are too heavy to simply walk off with, so they’re pretty safe outside.Day five was sunny, so we took it out for a spin by the river. The novelty was definitely wearing off, and Lila was beginning to pass the time pulling Uma’s fingers. Uma’s woes were compounded by the fact that the seats were designed for older children and she kept sliding into uncomfortable positions. Rather than a bench, the Kangaroo has two separate seats, side-by-side, so lifts are out of the question.The Chariot trailerFor the last two days of our car-less week, we tried a Chariot trailer. This is a much cheaper option, but you’ll need a bike to attach it to.The first advantage was that it fitted inside the house.