Cycling with kids is a fantastic way to bond, exercise, and explore the outdoors. However, it has its challenges. From tantrums to mechanical issues, plenty of things can go wrong. Here are some tips on handling common challenges when biking with kids and making your family cycling adventures a success.
Preparing for the Ride
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- Choose the Right Routes: Start with short, accessible routes suitable for your kids’ ages and abilities. Avoid busy roads and opt for paths with minimal traffic. This site has dozens of child and family friendly routes – with information on where to park, the best toilets, cafes and playgrounds. Go to the Rides page to find a route near you in Sydney.
- Check Your Equipment: Make sure your bikes are in good working condition and that your kids’ helmets fit properly. If your kids are young, consider adding a child seat or trailer. Before you ride check the tyres are properly inflated and that everyone’s water bottle is ful.
- Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. Consider bringing a spare tube or pump in case of a flat tire.
- Consider an extra layer: Check the weather and if in any doubt pack an extra layer for everyone in a backpack in case a change of weather hits.
- For more preparation tips on riding with kids, click here.
Handling Tantrums
- Stay Calm: It’s essential to stay calm and patient when dealing with tantrums.
- Playgrounds: When the children were younger I used to plan all of our rides around playground stops. If your child gets upset, let them know how far till the next playground, take a break there and let them recharge.
- A nice edible break: While tantrums cannot be fully avoided, their frequency can be minimsed by planning. It can be worthwhile planning the rides around a special cafe stop or ice cream stop and letting the kids know that before you ride and along the route. It gives you all something to look forward to (the carrot) as well as something they may be aware that you may not go to if their behaviour is not up to scratch (the stick). Generally if one child is a little out of the line, the others find a way to encourage them to get their mojo back knowing that they all want to make it to that reward stop.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your child for good behavior – the mid ride special cafe / lunch or ice cream shop can be a great chance for positive reinforcement.
Keeping Kids Safe
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- Set Rules: Establish clear rules for riding, such as staying close to you and not riding ahead. It’s important that young children know NOT to cross roads without your permission.
- We plan most of our rides around routes that have lots of bike paths or minimum cross streets. However, if where you need to ride cannot avoid cross streets, what I have sometimes done is I go half way into the cross street (when the traffic is clear), yell out “clear to cross” and the kids ride across. I then go from first position to last in the group. What I sometimes do is then ride on the road next to them while they are on the footpath and get to the next cross street just in front of them, block it, yell to them “clear to cross” (or “wait car coming”) and rinse-repeat at every cross street until we can get to a chilled out back street or a bike path again.
- Lead by Example: Children learn by watching. Make sure you’re setting a good example by following traffic laws and riding safely. If you ride through red lights they will think it’s okay too.
- Be Visible: Wear bright clothing and use lights and reflectors to make yourself and your kids visible to other cyclists and motorists.
- Set Rules: Establish clear rules for riding, such as staying close to you and not riding ahead. It’s important that young children know NOT to cross roads without your permission.
- Teach them to think for future riding themselves: One example of “shepherding” them as outlined above is that they come to expect that dad (or mum) always has their back. They know that someone has checked the road and cross when told. However, one day they will be riding without you. So bit by bit, it can be wise to have a “ride leader” – one of the kids who you task with checking every single time you get to a cross street and yelling out whether it’s safe to cross or not. Of course, as a parent, always double check them. It’s also wise to do that in areas where the cross streets are not very busy. Over time, rotate through which kid is the “ride leader” so that they each get turns in checking for safety and looking out for the team.
Making the Ride Fun
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- Take Breaks: Plan for regular breaks to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery.
- Play Games: Plan the ride around playgrounds.
- Chat: It’s amazing how much kids chat when there are no other distractions around (eg: things at home like screens etc…)
- Explore New Places: Visit new parks, trails, or attractions. This will make your rides more exciting and memorable.
Cycling with kids is a beautiful way to spend time together and create lasting memories. Following these tips can help ensure your family’s cycling adventures are safe, enjoyable, and stress-free.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the ride together. With some planning and preparation, you can create unforgettable experiences that your kids will cherish for years.