Days out cycling as a family are some of the most wonderful moments of parenthood. Take a note of Isla’s top 10 tips to have as much fun on a day out as possible with everyone on two wheels.
Maintenance and repairs
Before you set off, give everyone’s bike a good look-over. Check the brakes and gears are working well, and tyres are in good condition and pumped up. If there’s anything you’re not sure about, take it to a bike shop. It’s also worth buying a basic bike maintenance manual so you can do simple jobs at home.
Fit a rear rack and panniers
We’re going to suggest you take a few supplies on your family cycle rides. Rucksacks can get heavy and hurt your back, so by far the easiest way to carry anything is to fit a rear rack and pannier bag to your bike.
Pick your route
Nobody wants to spend their summer days coaxing children round a ride that is beyond their abilities, so make sure you pick a suitable place to go pedalling. Organisations such as the Forestry Commission have some excellent traffic-free family facilities, and there may be other great options near to home. Also make sure your children will be able to complete the route in the time available – things often take longer than you imagine with children!
Check the weather
Once you’ve got your route planned, check the weather forecast. Take adequate clothing if the weather is changeable, and apply suncream if the sun is shining. The passing breeze on a bike often makes you feel cool, so sunburn will only become apparent when you reach home.
Take sustenance
A mid-ride picnic is always fun, but even just having some little treats for the top of climbs or after long sections in the saddle will help keep spirits and energy levels high. Also take plentiful water or squash. You could even fit a water bottle cage to your child’s bike, so they can carry their own – making them feel even more like an independent rider.
Take spares
As well as food, have the correct tools to fix any reasonable mid-ride mechanical problem. A multi-tool with a range of screwdriver heads and Allen keys is a minimum, along with a pump, some spare inner tubes, and a puncture repair kit.
Turn it into an adventure
It really doesn’t take much to turn your family bike ride into an exciting escapade. Celebrate every achievement completed. Sow the seeds of adventure with every new trail followed. Challenge them with little riding games as you go. Then, when you finish, tell your little rider how well they’ve done.
Chat as you ride
Once children are proficient cyclists they should be able to chat as well as cycle safely. That’s great for everyone. Their minds won’t be focused on the distance they’ve covered – children tend to be more tired when they know they’ve ridden a long way! And for parents, it’s a perfect chance to reconnect with their families in a new, peaceful environment.
Track mitts
Some people think they need to cover their children in safety gear, but a lot of it hinders easy cycling. The one piece of kit we’d recommend is a pair track mitts or fingerless cycling gloves. When children come off their bikes, they always put their hands down. A scrape to the palm can cause a disproportionate amount of pain and anxiety, so get them to wear track mitts and that problem will be avoided.
Finally – have fun!
Prepare well. Have all your kit, food and games or challenges in mind for when they’re needed. Then just relax and enjoy your day cycling with your family.
Islabikes has a list of articles, all focused on family cycling on their website, from the best places to go for a day out, to sizing your child for a bicycle correctly. Head over to islabikes.co.uk to find out the best way to get your family cycling and how Islabikes continue to lead the way for children enjoying
Isla Rowntree, founder of Islabikes, has made and developed children’s bicycles for almost a decade. She defines the kids’ bikes industry, pioneering high-quality bikes that take advancements in adults’ bikes and shrinks them to suit children. Every aspect of an Islabike is developed to maximise the enjoyment for 2 year olds to 14 year olds and everyone in between.
