A Guide To Having Your Best Family Cycling Adventures

Riding a bike is fun, and when you do it with your family, it can turn into a wonderful journey that is excellent for staying fit and exploring your community together. Talk about quality family time, when you cycle as a unit, it can bring tremendous benefits to all. Bicycle experts are sharing some of their favorite tips:

Select the Best Bikes for Family Members

Safety is the number one priority no matter how big or small your family is. The proper bicycle is essential for each member whether it’s a road bike, mountain bike or any other kind. According to bike professionals, adult bikes are sized by the frame. Kid bikes (for ages 12 and under) are sized by the wheel.

You could also head into your local bicycle shop for measurements to find the ideal bikes that feel comfy to sit on and offer good leg extension and the proper reach for grabbing the handlebars.

Don’t Forget the Safety Equipment

The helmet is the number one bike gear, especially for children, and although there is no federal law mandating bicycle helmets, every state has its own regulations. You can check here to see what your state requires when you’re ready to hop on a bike and go!

Bicycle experts recommend helmets for all family members to wear no matter where you reside. This equipment offers very good protection against head and facial injuries for bike enthusiasts of all ages even those that involve motor vehicle crashes. Research and studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health say that helmets provide a 63% to 88% reduction in the risk of head, brain and severe brain injury. All helmets should be well fitting and replaced every 3-5 years or after a crash.

In addition to helmets, elbow and knee pads are helpful for small kids to avoid bumps and scrapes. Reflective bike gear and clothing are essentials if you’re planning to ride in the evening.
Before embarking, make sure that each family members understands the rules of the road and avoid riding near high traffic areas. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents happen in busy cities, small towns and rural areas and can cause devastating in juries. The small city of Fremont, California sees an average of 47 bicycle accidents each year.

Take a Short or Long Bike Trip?

If this is your first family bike ride, aim for a short adventure and one where you can take regular breaks. Gradually increase the length of your cycling together as all family members become comfortable riding. Also, take into consideration younger riders and go at a leisurely pace. Keep watch on the kids’ positioning within the group and stress the importance of riding in a single file and staying to the right side of the road with the flow of traffic.

Every bike rider should know how to use hand signals. BikeLeague.org has a video you can watch to learn and use these signals when out on the road together.

Plan a Family-Friendly Cycling Route

Your local bike shop may have recommendations on the best routes suitable for family cycling. Google Maps is another way to find the ideal bicycle directions and paths to take for your next journey. Google Maps keeps track of them all from “bike trails, dedicated bike lanes, bike-friendly streets, and even bike-friendly dirt/unpaved roads.”

A low-traffic neighborhood street is one area to explore while cycling. There are also parks and green space areas that provide plenty of bicycling fun. These public community locations may also offer restrooms, bike racks and water fountains so that your family can take a break. You could find nearby eateries and places to get off your bikes and stretch your legs.

Pack Some Snacks and Water, Etc.

It’s important to stay hydrated, especially if biking during the hot summer season. Water is the best liquid to keep you energized on your family adventure.

Biking is a blast and can also work up an appetite. According to the iconic Schwinn bicycle brand experts, pack along healthy snacks you can eat with your hands such as fresh fruits and vegetables to dip in humus. You could also bring peanut butter, granola bars or baggies of trail mix.

Pack the sunscreen for protection outside and a mini first aid kit for any minor injuries that may occur along your journey.

Don’t Forget to Capture the Memories

Not only do family cycling adventures take you to many beautiful and scenic areas, but the riding is amazing for bodies of all ages and staying fit. Cycling is great for the heart and lungs and helps children refine their motor skills as they improve balance, agility and coordination.

An outing together such as bicycling can also reduce stress and increase self-esteem. Cycling can also strengthen the family bond and create fabulous family memories. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the fun with your camera or smartphone!

Be safe, be prepared, and enjoy the journey!