It's a lovely sunny day and you fancy
a bike ride with the family. Family cycle rides are great fun
for all, especially the kids. But you have to approach them
with the correct attitude.
First and foremost it is a family ride
and therefore the family should ride as a reasonably close group.
How many families have you seen, Dad up front, Mum doing her
tailgunner impersonation and the kids, probably one of the main
reasons for the ride, somewhere in between "doing their
own thing".
Secondly, it is not a race and all the
group should always ride at, or near, the pace of the slowest/weakest
rider. Adults should remember that their go-faster bike with
large wheels and a multitude of gears can go much faster, much
more easily, than little Emily on her bike with small wheels,
ONE GEAR, Barbie bell and basket.
Thirdly, be prepared. Plan where you
are going. Be reasonably certain how far it is
and possibly how long it will take. Make sure all the family
can cope with the distance - you don't want to spend the latter
part of the ride carrying a very tired youngster and a bike.
Also plan to make regular stops - feeding the ducks, or the
horses, are ideal excuses - or - just stop and look at the scenery.
Cycling with kids can be a real pleasure
but it is also a responsibility - you are responsible for both
their safety and their enjoyment. Achieve both and you'll probably
have a great time also.
At one time all members of the family
needed their own bike. Now things have changed. You can now
have virtually any child carrying machine you want in almost
any configuration. There are now astonishingly good lightweight
trailers for the under fours: trailers which double as load
carriers for bringing home the shopping.
