Getting kids out on bikes is a great way to keep them active and build lifelong healthy habits. But the changing seasons can make year-round family biking seem daunting. With the right preparation and gear, biking with kids is feasible in any season.
Springtime: Shaking Off the Winter Rust
After a winter indoors, kids and parents alike are eager to get back on bikes as the weather warms up. But jumping right into long rides can lead to soreness or even injuries. Ease back into riding with a few short, flat trips around the neighborhood. Let the kids dictate the pace and distance. Praise their efforts and gradually increase distance over a period of weeks.
The experts at Woom say that spring is also a good time to check kids’ bikes to ensure they still fit properly. Kids grow fast, and hand-me-down bikes may need seat adjustments. Watch your child pedal and make sure there is a slight bend in the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Their legs should not fully extend. Kids’ bikes with adjustable seats and handlebars make it easy to tune the fit.
If major adjustments are needed or bikes seem unsafe, it may be time to size up. Visit a local bike shop and have an expert help fit your child to a new kids’ bike. Many offer trade-in discounts.
Summer: Beat the Heat
Long sunny days make summer ideal for family bike adventures. But the heat and humidity of summer can zap kids’ energy and lead to dehydration. Time rides for cooler morning and evening hours. Seek shaded routes or trails with tree cover. Pack plenty of water and electrolyte-replacement drinks like Gatorade. Schedule frequent stops to rehydrate and refuel with snacks like bananas, granola bars, apples, and trail mix.
Also be alert for thunderstorms. Take shelter immediately at the first clap of thunder or lightning flash. Do not ride or take cover under trees during electrical storms. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder before resuming a ride.
Fall: Crunching Through the Leaves
Fall brings cooler weather, perfect for family biking. The changing leaves provide a colorful backdrop for rides. Take along a few Ziplock bags and let kids stop to collect colorful maple leaves, acorns, and other interesting natural treasures along the way.
Fall bike rides also provide an opportunity to teach bicycle safety skills. Practice scanning behind for traffic before turning. Have kids call out “Stopping” and “Turning right/left” so everyone learns to communicate during rides.
Winter: Bundling Up for Colder Rides
Frigid temperatures and snow-covered roads can make winter cycling seem impossible. But families can enjoy winter rides with the right preparation. Start with a base layer of thermal underwear. Insulated bike pants help keep legs warm. A fleece jacket under a heavy winter coat provides core warmth. Waterproof boots, winter cycling gloves and ear coverings like headbands complete the cold-weather ensemble.
Make things fun by stopping for hot chocolate and a chance to build snowmen. Some ski resorts even offer winter fat biking trails for kids to try out wide-tire snow bikes. Celebrate after successful winter rides with a family movie night featuring biking films.
Conclusion
Biking with kids really does offer year-round opportunities for family fitness and fun. Try to start the cycling season slowly and build endurance with shorter rides. Help kids bike safely in different conditions, and savor simple pleasures like collecting colorful leaves or sipping hot cocoa after rides in the cold. With preparation and reasonable expectations, families really can enjoy the adventure of biking in all four seasons.
