Cycling with Young Kids
It can be challenging to find activities we can all do together, especially when you have a toddler and a tween. Usually one child gets bored, the other doesn’t last more than 10 minutes and I get frustrated because of the failed visions of grandeur (that I could actually get a decent workout in with all my kids – hubby included sometimes). One of the best solutions I can think of (besides hitting a track where everyone is contained yet can go at their own pace) is biking. There is a wide variety of great equipment out there developed by parents determined to maintain their active lifestyles, even with young children. I’ve listed various bike-friendly options to bridge the gap until your child is ready for training wheels. Do know that children under one year of age cannot wear a helmet and should not partake in any cycling, in any capacity.
1. Child Bike Seat – These can be rear (behind you) or front (over the handle bars) mounted, and are available from numerous manufacturers. Like a car seat, there are a myriad of safety harnessing systems to choose from. If you’re a novice cyclist, this may not be for you as the added weight can affect the handling of the bike and be awkward. Keep in mind, a fall from this height would be about 3 feet for your child. The rear-mounted seats don’t give the child much of a view other than your back, but you do shield them from wind and bugs. The front – mounted seats can be more awkward for the cyclist with steering and pedaling. Kids get a great view but may not like the wind in their face or not being able to see you. These are best for children 1-5 years or under 40 pounds. I personally use the i-bert Safe-T-Seat.
2. Bike Trailer – This is, in fact, a trailer with a seat and harness for your child to sit in. This is perfect for 1-6 year olds. They are enclosed, usually with a mesh/nylon covering (think tent) to protect from the elements, with plenty of ventilation. The benefits of a trailer is the safety of having your child lower to the ground (decrease in falls) and these can be adapted with a hitch which prevents them from rolling over even if the bike falls. You can buy single or double trailers. Some trailers can be used as both a bike trailer and jogging stroller. A few issues to be aware of because the trailer is low, the kids can be more exposed to car exhaust. Also, the trailers may be hard to see so it’s advised to either attach a tall orange flag on the trailer or only use it on trails and not in or near vehicular traffic. You may need to be (or you WILL become) a very strong cyclist from hauling this trailer behind you all the time (especially if it’s a double and you like hills).
3. Tag – Along or Kid’s Trailer Bike – Like bike seats, these come in many sizes and varieties. The most common is an extra wheel and seat with pedals that attaches to the back of an adult bike. This has no brakes and fixed handlebars. It’s meant for children 3-6 years – they can cycle when they want and coast when tired but never interfere with your cycling. Other versions are truly more of a trailer, a seat with a back and no handles, or there are trailers for older kids (7-10) which would be great if you’re planning a longer ride that they wouldn’t be able to keep up on their own. These are relatively safe as long as your child is mature enough to stay put and enjoy cycling like this behind Mum or Dad. (I know my 3 year old would not stay on a trailer bike especially if she’s not strapped in let alone assist in cycling).
4. Push or Balance Bike – These are 2 wheel bikes (no training wheels) with NO pedals and NO brakes. This is a great transitional bike to teach your child how to balance and steer. They control the speed and braking with their feet (make sure they’re wearing sturdy shoes). These bikes may even help your child bypass the training wheels stage. Best for 2 years and up, however, it is based more on your child’s height and more particularly their inseam measurement and the brand of pushbike you purchase.
5. HELMETS – OK, time to get serious because there are two things I see too much of: 1. Parents who insist their children wear helmets (that’s great) but don’t wear a helmet themselves- Hello? What are you teaching your kids? 2. Adults and kids alike wearing a helmet with the chin straps flapping undone in the wind or the helmet is so loose it’s hanging on the back of their head or worse, tilted so far over their forehead their vision is impaired. Please wear a helmet and ensure that anyone whether 1 year old or 101 wears a helmet properly.
There are so many options available to parents, that family cycling is much more prevalent and pleasant. An added bonus — you are also promoting, teaching and encouraging activity in your own children, at a level which is age appropriate while getting some exercise yourself. So, in the spirit of Tour de France – get your cycle on!
