Whether you’re an avid cyclist who’s new to parenthood or someone new to cycling looking for a family-friendly activity – we have some tips and advice on cycling with your kids. There are many incredible benefits to family biking: you get to instill healthy exercise habits, plenty of quality time together, improved moods exploring nature, and so much more.
You can enjoy these benefits together while your children are at any age, and if your kids don’t know how to ride a bike, it’s never too early or late to begin learning. If they’re too young to have a cycle of their own, there are ways to take them for an adventure, by either getting a bike seat or trailer that doesn’t interfere with riding a bike.
Riding with kids is not the same as cycling by yourself. There will be more stops, more gear to keep them entertained and fed, and the journey will probably take a little longer.
That said, biking with your family is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have together and will undoubtedly make plenty of happy memories.
If this is the first time you’re biking with your children, stop by the Fancy Apple – we’ve done all the work for you and provide what you need. We’ve got kids bikes, baby seats, trailers, even tagalong bikes so your child can practice pedaling safely.
Kids and Bikes: What Bike to Choose
Kids bikes can often change as they grow and develop their skills, so it may be useful to update the cycle as the kid grows out of the previous one. That can begin to add up, and buying one midsize bike looks very enticing. While that can work for older kids riding a slightly small bike, a larger bike may make riding it awkward and unsafe for small children. Here are some useful alternatives to getting a kid bike:
Child Bike Seats
If you have a small child, a great way of introducing them to bikes without buying a bike for them is to attach a child seat on your bike. These seats can be attached to the bike’s front or back, depending on your preference and seat size. Bike seats are the safest way for your kid to be part of the outdoor fun, and you can easily detach it once they’ve outgrown the seat.
Bike seats are a great way to talk to your child up close while you both explore sights together. They’re best suited for children who can sit up and support their heads by themselves. Choosing models with a seat harness can ensure they stay in their seats during tight turns or if they fall asleep.
Child Bike Seat Front vs. Rear
Most child bike seats are commonly mounted on the rear rack, but some models allow you to mount the front seat. Most models can carry up to 50 pounds (with your child, some gear, or both), so most toddlers or preschoolers can enjoy bike seats. Whichever method you choose, it’s a great idea to practice getting on and off the bike with a practice load in the seat, so you get used to the bike’s weight difference.
Bicycle Trailers
Bike trailers are attached to the back of a bike, allowing you to pull them as you bike. They’re close to the ground, making them a safe option as they’re stable and easy to steer. This makes them a good alternative for those who are not as comfortable using bike seats.
Some can even carry two or more children, and their larger size allows you to use it for longer. Many trailers also convert into a jogger or stroller, which is nice for families that would like to make one big purchase.
Most bike trailers have a mesh screen available that protects your child from the weather and bugs and losing their favorite stuffed animal. The extra space in trailers also means you can haul gear (or more toys) with your children.
Cargo Bikes
Cargo bikes come in all shapes and sizes. The most common ones are longtail and front-loading cargo bikes. A longtail bike has an extended rear cargo rack that your children can sit on and hold on to. You can also attach a child seat if your child is too young to sit up or gear onto the rack when not using it with children
Front-loading cargo bikes have a box in the front of the bike, allowing you to haul children (or pets or more gear). The container is usually located in the front cargo rack between the handlebars and the front wheel. Either option allows the child to be closer to you to have a conversation with them easily. Some of the newer cargo bikes have an electric assist helping you haul the extra passengers around more easily.
Balance Bikes
These are the simplest bikes out there. It has no pedals, no chain to get stuck, no crank – just wheels on a frame. It’s meant to get kids used to balancing, steering, and moving on two wheels as they push off and brake with their feet.
It allows your kid to walk along with you until they’re ready to lift their feet and coast along. The bikes are usually lighter and easier to handle than tricycles or a bike with training wheels, so they’re perfect for toddlers to zoom around safely once they’re ready.
Trailer Bikes
Also known as “tagalongs,” trailer bikes are a great alternative to attaching a bike seat or trailer. A single-wheeled trailer bike attaches to your seat post or your rear rack so it can pivot as your bike turns. The setup allows your child to practice pedaling and feel more independent while still relying on you for balance and control – a safe way for them to learn how to bike. Trailer bikes allow you both to explore sites at the same pace, faster and further than your child’s stamina may otherwise allow.
Training Wheel Bikes
Once your child is old enough for their own bike, attaching some training wheels will give them the confidence they need to ride independently. Training wheels are usually attached to the rear rack and can easily be taken off once your kid is confident riding by themselves. If you choose to use this method, it’s a good idea to periodically raise the training wheels so the bike is slightly (but not too much) unstable so your child can learn how to balance by themselves.
Pick the Right Location That Has Bike Trails for Kids
The destination and journey are the first things to consider when planning family trips. Depending on how old your kids are, it may be a good idea to talk to them about where you’re heading together and what to expect during the journey, so they’re more excited to go along.
When traveling with younger children, choose areas that have bike paths or rail trails. Bike lanes are free from vehicular traffic, allowing you to focus on the scenery that surrounds you instead of trying to dodge passing cars. If the area isn’t too bike-friendly or has a cycling infrastructure, you can still plan rides along residential roads. Just remember to stick to the side of the far-right lane and not bike on the sidewalks.
Bike tours are a good option since it takes the hassle of planning routes with kid friendly bike trails. We have plenty of options available for you and your family of any size.
FAQ
Usually between 12 months and 4 years. Your child can sit well unsupported and have a neck strong enough to carry a light helmet.
Similar to bike seats, children older than 12 months who can support themselves are suitable to ride in bike trailers. Since trailers are larger than bike seats, it may be appropriate for children up to 6 years old.
Depending on your set up and your child’s ability to balance, they can start riding with you as young as 2 on balance bikes or 4 with training wheels or trailer bikes.
Yes! Besides teaching children healthy habits, cycling also helps kids develop fine motor, sight, and balance skills.
They can usually start at 5 years old, although most children’s bikes have wheel sizes of about 16” so it depends on your kid’s skill level and height
Fancy Apple Bike Rental with Toddler Seat
When visiting new places (or exploring local sites), it can be challenging to haul bikes and gear with you making rental bikes a great alternative. Finding rental bike companies that have options for children of all ages is another story.
We at the Fancy Apple understand this and have ensured there are plenty of options for you and your family. We want you to be able to focus on spending quality time together instead of gear and a destination.
In addition to tours and rental bikes, we also offer pre-planned picnics, so you have one less thing to worry about. We’ve taken care of everything you need, so stop by any of our locations and start riding together today.