We're not going to bang on about the benefits of cycling for you or your kids (the freedom, the health gains, the exciteme... damn it we can't help ourselves), but we would like to stress how important many families find cycling together. Seeing the world and sharing an adventure collectively is something that both you and your children will treasure.
The range of options is pretty incredible now to help you cycle with your kids. From tag-a-longs to kids bikes to baby seats, no matter what age the child they can get involved. Involved is the right word too, as you'll find even the most restless of kids is happily occupied on a bike.
And when they start overtaking you, you've got the perfect excuse to upgrade your bike...
So, here's our how to cycle with children guide:
Or babyseats, these are suitable for ages from about 6 months to four years. The child must be able to sit up and support its own head. Commonly rear fitted, they fit to your bike using either standard pannier racks or their own mountings.
These are generally the most hassle free way of getting your child on a bike. With you kid strapped in safely, there isn't much room for movement (although a very restless child will make your ride a little more interesting). They are also usually very easy to attach and detach from your bike.
That childseat won't really help on singletrack now will it.
Most have high back supports and some even have reclining backs and rain covers (drinks holders and seat warmers aren't yet standard).
Make sure your child is within the weight limit for the childseat before purchase. The seats themselves are almost all very light and robust.
A great way for your child to get transported whilst you get some exercise! Suitable for ages from about 6 months to 5 years, these taxis are perfect for getting your kids to school or to the shops.
Commonly built to take two passengers, they also usually have rain covers too.
If you're planning to do longer distances on the road these are more
comfortable for both you and the child. But the upper age limit will
start to get a little restless on longer trips. Which is a good time to
move on to the...
Tag-Alongs:
Sometimes called trailer bikes, these allow the child to really start to get involved. Helping out with the cycling when they choose or freewheeling when they get tired, making them great for longer distances. They are suitable for ages from about 4 to 9 years.
Essentially half a bike, they combine with your ride to create a tandem-like ride. The child doesn't have control of the steering (thankfully), but can certainly start to pull some weight.
A perfect way to keep you child close at hand and to give them the same great sense of fulfilment that you already get from cycling. And assuming the kids actually cycle, this is when they can start feeling the fitness benefits.
They fit either to the seat post of your bike or to a special rack.
Your own bike is a big moment in most kids lives. My first ride is still imprinted on my memory and chances are yours is too. Don't short change your kids by not helping them learn how to ride quickly!
Stabilisers might seem like a good idea, but they can often harm the learning process. A better way to learn is to use a correctly sized bike (never buy to grow into!), take the pedals off and keep the saddle low enough for the child to be able to walk. Getting them to occasionally lift their feet off the ground and scoot. This is the quickest way to help someone find their balance. Honestly, this way is a matter of hours at most rather than the weeks or months with stabilisers.
Once the scooting is becoming second nature, and cornering has been mastered, put the pedals back on. Pedalling is much easier once the balance is there.
There is obviously a lot more to it, but at this point we'd suggest you read Carlton Reid's guide to learning how to cycle. Aside from being a legendary British cycling activist, he's also a qualified cycling coach, so you're in safe hands.
Tips:
Don't overdo it! It's meant to be fun. You might not be truly happy unless your blasting down a trail or clocking tons on the road, but with your family you ride at the pace of the slowest member. Take breaks whenever necessary.
Know where you're going before hand. Study maps, and get your kids involved at this stage too. Planned ice cream breaks are usually very welcome I seem to remember. Remember, the more fun the ride is, the better the chance you and your child will want to get straight back on the bike. For more help choosing where to go you can download the national cycle network map from Sustrans.
Take along spare tubes and a tool kit. You know what'll happen if you don't.
Take food and water.
Wear a helmet. Kids and adults... This American site has a lot of useful info regarding why you really should be wearing a lid.
