Bringing kids and fun to biking

Bicycling is a great activity for kids – it can improve coordination/physical fitness and foster independence – but teaching kids how to bike takes some time and effort. Helping your children get off on the right foot is worth the energy. Our goal is to focus on making cycling a fun activity. However, making cycling fun isn’t just something for the young – people of every age can have a joyful bike experience by following these tips:
Before the Ride

• Terrain – choose flat terrain that is away from traffic. Plan for a relatively short distance of only one or two miles. Consider a special destination that you child may not expect, like a picnic at University lake or a frozen gourmet popsicle at Frios – you can use the parks trails, sidewalks (only for kids under 10), and back streets to keep the route as car-free as possible.
• Energy – plan to have a meal an hour or so before heading out and consider riding when refreshed from a full-night’s sleep. Also, frequent stops and snack/hydration breaks keep the trip interesting and engaging! Bring a special treat that will help reinforce the pleasure of biking.
• Helmet – Alabama law requires riders under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. A correct helmet fit is like an extension of your body and doesn’t interfere with the fun.
• Saddle – setting the correct saddle (seat) height helps small legs to get the most out of riding – see our previous Chatter article on this topic. When learning to ride a bike, saddles should be set low and then adjusted higher when confidence increases.
• ABC check – inspect tire Air, Brakes, Chain before riding.
• Tools – bring a small first-aid kit and bike repair toolkit so you are prepared for those unexpected hazards.

During the Ride

• Instructions – most children learn faster by participating in an activity, rather than just listening to someone talk about it. Keep instructions clear and concise and let them learn through experience.
• Stop/Look/Listen – everyone should use their powers of observation to avoid cars, road features, and obstructions. Have the group point out to each other what they see along the way to hone these skills further.
• Cues – pay attention to your group’s cues. Riders who are complaining, looking overheated or tired, and are slowing down may need a break.
• Stay positive – give your little ones a lot of specific praise. Complement them on pedaling smoothly or how safe they have been riding. Let them know you are having fun riding with them – remember that your enthusiasm and great attitude will be contagious. 

Hopefully after a successful ride you will hear those sought-after words, “this was fun!”