Burley bicycle trailer

Burley Design is a pioneering brand in the outdoor recreation industry, best known for inventing the modern child bicycle trailer. Founded in 1978 in Cottage Grove, Oregon, by Alan Scholz, the brand began when Scholz built a trailer from an old swing set to transport his daughter and product samples to the local market. For decades, it operated as a worker-owned cooperative in Eugene, Oregon, gaining a global reputation for safety and durability. In 2006, the cooperative was transitioned to a private corporation when it was purchased by Michael Coughlin.

Historically, Burley manufactured its products in the United States, producing everything from trailers to tandem bicycles and rain gear. Following the 2006 acquisition, the company streamlined its product line to focus exclusively on trailers and outsourced manufacturing to specialized facilities in China to remain competitive while maintaining rigorous safety standards. Today, the brand remains family-owned, with Allison Coughlin (now Allison Straub) serving as President. While production occurs overseas, all engineering, design, and safety testing continue to be conducted at their headquarters in Eugene, Oregon, ensuring the products meet or exceed international safety regulations.