Cycling – for family fun and fitness

Bike Week is taking place from 10th – 16th June 2024 and it’s a great opportunity for us to focus on the benefits of cycling; for health, climate change and confidence. When we’ve taught our children to ride a bike,…

Bike Week is taking place from 10^th – 16^th June 2024 and it’s a great opportunity for us to focus on the benefits of cycling; for health, climate change and confidence.

When we’ve taught our children to ride a bike, it’s a skill they’ll keep for life and one they can return to at any point. ‘It’s like riding a bike’ is a common saying, when it comes to techniques that, once learned, are never forgotten. It’s great for balance, co-ordination and learning about road safety too.

Cycling is a great bonding activity to do together as a family, to help keep fit, get fresh air and have fun.

What is Bike Week?

It’s a week for championing and celebrating cycling, as a greener form of transport, an enjoyable hobby, a sport and an aid to fitness and health.

This year’s theme is about being a bike hero. This could involve encouraging your friends and family members to join you on a ride, joining an event in your local area, posting on social media about cycling or promoting cycling to work within your workplace. Many more ideas of how to get involved can be found here:

https://www.cyclinguk.org/bikeweek

How long does it take to teach a child how to ride a bike?

This is one of those ‘how long is a piece of string?’ questions. Just like teaching a child to do anything else, how quickly they learn will very much depend on the child, their physical development, their emotional, social and language development, their environment and their interest level. It takes patience, encouragement, support and persistence, but the rewards are worth it.

Are there any places I can take my child to for cycle training?

Open to people of all ages and abilities, bikeability is delivered in many schools, as well as providing sessions for adults and families.

‘Bikeability is the government’s national cycle training programme. It helps you learn practical skills and understand how to cycle on today’s roads.’ 

You can find out more about Bikeability here:

https://www.bikeability.org.uk

The British Cycling organisation runs Go-Ride clubs for children and young people under the age of 18, to learn to ride, develop their skills and take part in activities and competitions.

‘With over 90% of the Great Britain Cycling Team starting out in Go-Ride Clubs, they are a great place to start for aspiring champions.’

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/young-people

Where can I find recommended places for a family bike ride?

The National Trust has produced a list of their properties that have family-friendly cycle routes. They advise on how challenging the routes are, from flat paths for beginners, to more challenging tracks for more skilful and fitter cyclists.

In the article ’10 great reasons to cycle’ the BHF refers to Sustrans (https://www.sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-network)

‘The National Cycle Network now covers 14,700 miles across the UK. The system of safe, traffic-free lanes and quiet, on- road routes connects every major city and passes within a mile of 55 per cent of UK homes, making it a great way to explore your locality or further afield.

The website of Sustrans (a charity promoting sustainable transport) includes a map of the cycle network and inspiration for journeys in the countryside, urban routes, family trips, long-distance rides and even art trails. Simply enter your postcode into the online map to find a route near you.’ (British Heart Foundation (BHF) Heart Matters)

Where can I find out more about cycle safety for families?

The Child Accident Prevention Trust offers information on their website about safe cycling with babies and toddlers, right up to safe cycling for older children, including road safety.

Cycle Safety

The Government’s Bikeability programme also covers cycling safety and road safety too.

What are the benefits of cycling to work?

cycling raises your metabolic rate, which is great for helping to keep weight off
it tones thighs and buttocks and also stomach muscles
it can increase your fitness levels
as it’s a low impact exercise, it’s good for beginners and those returning from some injuries
cycling instead of driving can help reduce pollution and climate change
it’s good for mental health and general well-being
it can reduce stress, depression and anxiety
it’s cheaper than running a car
depending on the length of journey and the traffic, cycling to work can be quicker
no need to pay for parking
some employers support the Government’s Bike2Work Scheme, helping you to save up to 48.25% on the cost of a bike https://www.bike2workscheme.co.uk