Cycling With Children

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• Start 'Em Early
• Bring Them With You
• The Family That Rides Together

Just because you have kids doesn't mean you have to give up cycling. As your kids grow from toddlers to teens, you can grow with them, wheel to wheel. Not only is it a physically healthy activity for the whole family—it's also an emotionally and even spiritually healthy activity as well.

Start 'Em Early

"How do I get my child started in cycling?" It's one of the first questions bike-riding parents ask. As with any outdoor activity, the younger a child is exposed to cycling, the more comfortable he or she will be with it at a later age.

To get your children started early, don't wait until they can pedal. Instead, plop them in a child carrier attached to your bike and go for rides regularly. Then, as they become more comfortable and their bodies are better able to handle physical activity, graduate them to ever more independent bikes.

Here's a suggested progression:

Child Carriers

Your child should be able to easily sit up on his or her own before he or she joins you for a ride. Carriers are good for children weighing up to 40 pounds. Most styles now have high backs to support a child's shoulders and head.

Trailer

Good for toddlers and children up to 6 years old. However, keep in mind that older children can get bored with such passive transport.

Trailer Bike

An enjoyable way for children to feel independent while still relying on you for balance and control. This is particularly good for 4- to 7-year-olds who may have some trepidation about cycling.

Tandem

Tandems can be rigged with conversion kits that allow children to pedal as well. Like the trailer bike, this is a good way for children to break into cycling.

Kids' Bike

Coming in a wide variety of styles and sizes, kids' bikes are the best way to introduce youngsters to cycling. A common mistake, however, is purchasing a bike for the child to "grow into." This can have disastrous consequences and set your child back a couple of years.

Bring Them With You

Children make good cycling companions because they're adaptable. To make sure each ride is an enjoyable one, follow these basic tips:

Do Your Homework

When you take a child on a ride, make certain you are familiar with the bike route. If you get lost or the route is longer than expected, your child may suffer not only from a diminished experience, but also in more serious ways, such as dehydration or exposure.

Start Early

Children tire quickly in the afternoon. Take advantage of their energy in the morning and start your ride early.

Take Breaks

Plan on taking a lot of short breaks. Also allow time to stop, get off the bike and explore.

Bring Water

Always have water readily available for your child. This is easy if children are in a trailer or on their own bike, but be mindful of a child in a child carrier. Stop often so he or she can drink.

Bring Snacks

A well-timed snack can defuse a squabble or sour temper. Kids tend to misbehave more when they're tired, hungry or thirsty.

Carry a Tool Kit

And know how to use it.

Carry a Small First-Aid Kit

Generally, you'll only need a few bandages, some triple antibiotic cream and encouraging words to soothe a small case of road rash.

Make It Fun

Choose an interesting route that goes by gardens, streams, views, or—surprise!—a petting farm. Most children are interested in what they can see along the route rather than what's at the end of the road or trail.

Invite Playmates

Cycling is always more fun when shared. If your child has a friend who is at the same competency on the bike, bring them along.

The most important thing to remember when cycling with children is to avoid overdoing it. You can still cover a lot of miles—it's just going to take longer.

The Family That Rides Together

Even restless toddlers will stop squirming when a bike starts moving. This makes cycling an ideal family outing. Children as young as 7 can generally handle half- or even full-day rides. With the above suggestions in mind, also:

• Let your child participate in the planning. Show your child a map and point out the route you'll be taking. Let him or her suggest stops or fun things to see along the way. This will help develop his or her sense of geography and ability to make decisions.
• Until your child is used to using a derailleur, choose routes that are as flat as possible. A good rule of thumb: If you would feel comfortable riding the route on a heavy, single-speed cruiser, your child shouldn't have much of a problem on his or her bike.
• Choose routes without much (or any) motor-vehicle traffic. This is especially true for younger kids. Preteens and teens can, of course, handle traffic, but make sure they are well-versed in cycling safety.
• Conservatively, children as young as 7 can handle bicycle tours. Remember, though, to keep each day's mileage short and interesting, with plenty of allotted time to reach the day's destination. Also, keep their loads light, but do allow them to contribute to carrying gear.
• Group fun rides, especially for charity, are a great way for the whole family to cycle together as well as teach children civic responsibility.
• Sign your children up for races. BMX or even mountain or road bike races exist for children of all ages and are as much or more fun than traditional football or soccer outings.
• Maintain your bike and your child's bike and let them help. Children can wipe off excess oil just as easily as they can clean a kitchen counter. Plus, showing them how to take apart and reassemble their bicycles takes some of the mystery out of the bike and helps them become more comfortable with its functioning.