The benefits of family cycling
Children love cycling - it's fast and fun, and gives them freedom and independence to get around. And you don’t need to wait until your kids are old enough to ride themselves to start enjoying the benefits of cycling as a family.
It doesn’t take much preparation to take your baby or toddler out on two wheels. Apart from a child bike seat or trailer, the most important things you need are a bike, the right clothes and a few basic tools.
Gone are the days when the only way to take a passenger on your bike was to 'give them a backie' - there's now a vast choice of safe and stylish ways to transport your toddler.
Most bike seats are suitable for children up to around three years old. While you can continue to carry your child on a freight bike or trailer for a few more years, there are loads of ways to get them started on their own cycling adventure.
The number of children cycling to school alone has rapidly decreased over the past few decades, largely because parents worry about traffic danger. But teach them about road safety, and there’s no reason why children can’t enjoy the freedom of cycling on their own.
To make sure your child gets the most out of cycling it’s important to get their bike right. Choosing the right model, size and kit for them will make for a comfortable and confident ride.
Whether you're going to the local park or the library, or planning a family outing, there are very few places you can’t go by bike. Plan your journeys around quieter roads and cycle paths and cycling will add a sense of adventure to journeys usually done on foot or by car.