Cycling as a family is one of those activities that ticks all the boxes—it’s fun, healthy, environmentally friendly, and gives you the freedom to explore the stunning landscapes of the UK at your own pace. Whether you’re new to the idea or seasoned cyclists, there’s something magical about hitting the road (or a peaceful cycle path) as a family unit. However, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your adventure is not just fun but safe, especially when little ones are involved.
Here’s a guide full of tips to help you enjoy family cycling time, with an emphasis on keeping safety as your number one priority.
Why cycling is the perfect family activity
Cycling together isn’t just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about the journey itself. Whether you’re pedalling through the countryside, along the coast, or down a quiet, leafy lane, you’ll find yourself discovering hidden gems you’d never spot from a car window.
Family cycling is also a wonderful way to keep fit and build memories. From toddlers to teenagers (and us adults, too), everyone can get something out of it. And let’s face it—it’s a great way to burn off some of that endless kid energy! Plus, with the UK’s wide range of cycling routes, there’s no shortage of places to explore. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s start with the basics.
Getting Children Started on Bikes
Whether your little one is just starting out or still wobbling a bit, getting kids comfortable on two wheels is key to a lifetime of cycling adventures.
Balance Bikes vs. Training Wheels
For the youngest riders, the balance bike is your best friend. Forget training wheels! Balance bikes are the secret weapon to building confidence in toddlers and young children, teaching them balance and coordination. Once they’ve mastered gliding along, transitioning to a pedal bike becomes much easier—no stabilisers required.
Choosing the Right Bike
When picking out a bike for your child, size matters. A bike that’s too big can make cycling scary, while a too-small bike will be uncomfortable. Make sure your child can comfortably touch the ground with their feet while sitting on the saddle and that the bike is light enough for them to manage. You don’t want to put them off cycling before they’ve even started!
Practice, Practice, Practice
Let children start on quiet paths or a local park where they can practice riding without the pressure of traffic. Encouraging them to take their time is key. Once they feel confident, they’re ready for the next challenge—family cycling trips!
What to consider on family bike rides
When embarking on a family cycle, a bit of planning can make all the difference in creating a ride that’s enjoyable for everyone, especially the younger members of your team.
Plan Your Route
The UK is home to plenty of family-friendly, traffic-free cycling routes (more on that below). Plan routes that suit everyone’s abilities, keeping things short and sweet if you’re riding with younger children. Apps like Sustrans’ National Cycle Network planner are fantastic for finding safe, picturesque paths.
Breaks and Snacks: The Magic Formula
Children + snacks = happiness. Simple! Make sure you factor in regular breaks for some fuel and water. Stopping for a picnic or to admire a view also gives everyone a chance to rest their legs and keeps spirits high.
Weather Ready
You’ll need to prepare for anything from blazing sunshine to sudden downpours. Pack layers and waterproofs to cover all bases.
Children's Bike Safety: Essential Tips
Let’s talk safety. While cycling is a fantastic activity, it’s crucial to keep safety at the forefront, especially when kids are involved. Here are some must-follow tips to ensure everyone stays safe on the road.
Helmets and Protective Gear
Rule number one: helmets on, always. Find a helmet that fits your child snugly, sitting level on their head (no tilting back!) with the chin strap secure but not too tight. Padding and gloves are also great additions to protect from scrapes and bumps. For the adults, set a good example—helmet hair is a small price to pay for safety.
Teach Road Awareness
Even if you’re sticking to traffic-free routes, it’s a good idea to teach your kids some basic road rules. Things like stopping at crossings, looking both ways, and hand signals can come in handy for the future. Cycling is a great way to learn these skills in a low-pressure environment.
Visibility is Key
The more visible your family is, the safer you are. Bright clothing, reflective jackets, and bike lights can make a huge difference, especially on dull days or if you’re riding late in the afternoon. Get those high-vis vests out—you can even make it fun by letting your kids pick out colourful, reflective stickers for their bikes!
Do children need Cycling Insurance?
Whilst it’s not a legal requirement, having cycling insurance as the responsible adult is a sensible decision.
Family-friendly cycling routes in the UK
Now that we’ve covered safety, let’s talk about where to cycle. The UK is full of gorgeous, family-friendly routes that are perfect for a day out. Here are a few ideas:
Traffic-Free Trails
If you’re new to family cycling or simply want a relaxed ride, look for car-free routes. The Camel Trail in Cornwall and the Tissington Trail in the Peak District are perfect for beginners. Both offer smooth paths and beautiful scenery with minimal traffic.
The National Cycle Network
Sustrans’ National Cycle Network is a treasure trove of family-friendly routes. With thousands of miles of traffic-free paths and quiet roads, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, the routes are clearly marked, so you won’t need to worry about getting lost!
Coastal and Countryside Adventures
For those wanting a bit more of an adventure, coastal rides like the Cinder Track from Scarborough to Whitby offer a mix of seaside views and countryside trails. Or why not explore the New Forest with its beautiful woodland paths, perfect for spotting wildlife?
Packing the essentials for a family bike ride
A successful ride relies on being well-prepared. Here’s what you should pack:
Safety Gear: Helmets, knee pads, and a basic first-aid kit.
Food and Water: Snacks can curb tantrums. 😊
Bike Tools: A puncture repair kit, spare tubes, and a pump are essentials.
Other Items: Layer up with raincoats or suncream depending on the forecast and throw in some padded cycling shorts if needed.
Cycling with toddlers and young children
Trailers vs. Child Seats
For the youngest riders, trailers and child seats are a great solution. Trailers are comfortable and safe for toddlers, while child seats allow your little one to sit behind or in front of you on your bike. Just make sure everything is securely attached before setting off!
Safety Tips for Young Riders
Make sure children in trailers or seats wear helmets, and check the fittings regularly. Plan shorter routes with plenty of stops, as little ones won’t have the stamina for long rides just yet.
Cycling Skills Classes
In the UK, programs like Bikeability are fantastic for teaching kids’ road safety and basic cycling skills. These classes are fun, engaging, and build a solid foundation of confidence for future rides.
Family Practice Sessions
Why not practice as a family in a quiet local park before heading out on bigger adventures? It’s a great way for children to learn new skills while feeling supported.
Sustainable and responsible family cycling
Respect Nature
Finally, when cycling as a family, it’s important to respect the environment and others around you.
Teaching your kids to leave no trace—take your rubbish with you and avoid disturbing wildlife are good rules to live by.
Cycling Etiquette
Showing children how to share the path with pedestrians, use their bells to let people know you’re coming, and how to pass other cyclists safely. It all helps to share these spaces in a friendly way.
Get Cycling Insurance with SportsCover Direct
SportsCover Direct’s cycling insurance has been designed to give protection for cycling in the UK or cycling abroad.
Our cycling travel insurance covers you abroad, whether you’re enjoying the sport for leisure or cycling competitively. It offers cover for medical costs, equipment, cancelled trips and more. If you already have travel insurance, our bolt-on allows you to add the protection you need for cycling. You can also opt for our sports accident insurance, which has been created to protect you while cycling in the UK.
Choose Sports Accident cover to protect against personal liability, equipment and injuries whilst in the UK.
Find out more and get an instant quote designed to suit you.
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.