On Your Bike
by Kate Duggan kateduggan.co.uk
learning to ride a bike opens up a whole new world of fun and independence for children. even babies and toddlers can join in the fun of a family bike ride, with a little help… abies can start joining you on bike rides from around nine months old, as long as they can hold their head up unsupported. You’ll need to choose between a trailer and a front or rear bike seat. hild bike seats start from around . he more expensive ones usually have extra features, such as a fivepoint safety harness, rather than a three-point one. Some have backs that can be tilted for on-the-go naps. Front-mounted seats sit in front of you and attach to the frame. hey sometimes have a shorter back than rear mounted seats, and usually have a lower maximum weight allowance, so they won’t last you uite as long. n the plus side, you’ll be able to see your child, which makes sharing a ride more fun. Some rear seats fit to a pannier rack, while others fit to the
frame. You might find balancing is a little bit easier with a rear seat compared to a front one, and it should last you until your child is around four years old. hichever type of seat you go for, you’ll need to check that it’s suitable for your bike and the weight of your child. ook for a seat with plenty of padding, a good safety harness and adjustable foot supports. ike trailers are more expensive than seats, but you can pull older children, and often two at a time plus picnics or shopping . railers usually have a cover, so your child will stay dry if you get caught in the rain, even if you get soaked. You might struggle with a trailer on steep hills though, and you’ll need a garage or shed to store it when it’s not in use. It’s a good idea to visit your local bike shop to speak to a specialist adviser before you make any decisions. hey’ll be able to recommend a trailer or bike seat that’s right for you, your bike and your child. cycling with young children nce your child is old enough
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to ride a ” bike, you might want to progress from a seat or trailer to a rail ator or other tow bar. hese attach your bike to your child’s, so you can pull your child behind you. hey’re handy for when you fancy a longer ride than your child could otherwise manage. Some tow bars can be unclipped and folded down, if your child wants to ride on their own for a while. Your child’s bike might feel a bit wobbly when it’s being pulled, so tow bars aren’t suitable for children under around four. where to go ots of roads have designated cycle lanes now, and there are plenty of traffic-free routes to explore too. he ational ycle etwork offers , miles of bike-friendly roads and paths. isit www.sustrans.org.uk for free printable cycle route maps. Fancy joining other families for a bike ride www.cyclinguk. org lists hundreds of cycling events, including ones that are suitable for families. It’s also worth asking what your local bike club has to offer, as lots of cycling clubs organise volunteer-led rides for beginners and families.33 to adverts