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One fisherman uses a bike to deliver boxes of salmon to local markets. A mom who regularly shuttles her two kids around town once tried to haul a twin mattress home. And some companies are using the bikes to pick up recycling. Cyclists are pushing the limits of what they can haul on cargo bikes — sturdy two-wheelers built to haul lots of stuff. These bicycles are increasingly popular in pedal-friendly communities across the U.S.

Families are using the bikes to do everything they did on four wheels — schlepping kids to school, hauling groceries or running errands — without the hassle of finding parking. Some do it to help the environment in a small way or get exercise, while others say it is an easier, more fun way to get around.

Cargo bikes are common in countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, but they're catching on in the U.S. Companies such as Xtracycle, Yuba and Metrofiets are catering to this niche, while major bike makers like Trek are also developing their own lines. It's still in the early adopter phase, but "it's picking up steam," said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. "It's giving people more options and flexibility."

Cargo bikes can refer to any bike that hauls heavy loads. Many models out now are built to handle multiple people or loads of up to about 180 kilograms on a single frame. They are often about half a meter longer than typical bikes, and are usually outfitted with a wheelbarrow-like box or shelf in front or back. "If you don't want to park your car, this is the way to go," said Joel Grover, co-owner of Splendid Cycles in Portland, Oregon. The shop opened four years ago mostly to sell to businesses, but quickly began catering to families who wanted wheels to handle more than one kid.

Madi Carlson, 41, regularly schleps her two young kids along with their bikes on her pink long-tail bike, which has kids' seats mounted over the rear of the bike. The three usually cover about 15 kilometers a day, riding between school, home, playdates and errands. The Seattle mom considers it a challenge to carry absurd loads. She once tried to haul a box spring mattress, and made it six blocks before she had to call her husband for a lift. "That's one of the problems with cargo bikes," she laughed. "You just want to carry bigger and more exciting loads. You just want to see what you can do."