Are you an outdoor-loving parent who enjoys walking with your children but is curious about cycling with them?
Blaze Trails and Cycle Sprog have teamed up to share information and advice to help you get cycling with your children.
Going on a bike ride can be a fantastic way to explore the outdoors with your little ones, offering the chance to cover more ground than on two feet, whilst having exciting adventures. Bikes can also offer brilliant active journeys instead of car trips, meaning you’ll spend less time sitting in traffic jams and searching for parking and more time outside with your child.
Here’s a quick guide from the family cycling experts to get you started on this journey!
Why cycle with your Baby or Toddler?
Cycling is not only a fun and efficient way to get around, but it also provides an excellent opportunity for bonding with your child. It allows you to explore new places that might be too far to walk to, all while enjoying the fresh air and scenery. Plus, it’s a great form of exercise for you and an enjoyable ride for your child.
Getting started
Choose the right gear: Knowing which seat, trailer or bike will be right for your family and child can be confusing. This is why Cycle Sprog has an online masterclass aimed specifically at buying the right equipment for cycling with babies and toddlers.
Practice makes perfect: Once you’ve bought the right kit, start with rides without your child to gain confidence. Then introduce short rides in a safe, traffic-free area to get you and your child used to the experience. Gradually increase the length and difficulty of your rides as you both gain confidence!
Plan your route: Choose easy routes with interesting features to keep your child entertained. Parks, designated cycle trails, and bike lanes can be great options for family rides. Cycle Sprog have lots of family cycling route recommendations if you’re looking for some leisure rides in your area.
Tips and tricks
Pack essentials: Bring snacks, water and sunscreen. Don’t forget extra layers for changing weather conditions and keeping your child warm.
Try before you buy: If you aren't sure if you or your child will enjoy family cycling, or you want to see how a bit of equipment feels before you spend, there are loads of organisations around to allow you to try before you buy or options for short or long term hire.
Invest now - make memories for years: whether you buy one of the best rear child seats, front seats or invest in a cargo bike, the research, investment and practising you do while your child is little will pay off. You can look forward to many years of happy family bike rides and time outside with your family!
Final thoughts
Cycling with your baby or toddler can open up a world of adventure and new experiences. It’s an opportunity to enjoy nature, stay active, and create lasting memories together.
Cycling together means you can go further and faster than if you are walking, so is perfect for beating the traffic and avoiding parking chaos on the nursery run during the week and exploring new areas at the weekend!
So many adventures to be had, so many questions!
Fear not, join us next Tuesday evening 1st July with the fountain of all bike knowledge, Karen Gee from the brilliant Cyclesprog, the home of everything family cycling. Karen will talk us through everything you need to get started for family bike rides, with plenty of time to answer all of your bike and kit related questions.
Book your spot here https://www.blazetrails.org.uk/shop/cycling-with-babies-children-cyclesprog-workshop-1
Cycle Sprog would love to help you and your family get into cycling, do check their website for loads more information and advice to get cycling with your family, or check out their Understanding Cycling Gear for Babies and Toddlers online masterclass- which members of Blaze Trails community get a discount for!
Happy Cycling!
