From getting your bikes ready, thinking about your route to maintaining social distancing – some thoughts on cycling with your kids and staying safe during lockdown.
We have been told by Boris Johnson that we can go out for exercise once a day and cycling is allowed. Jenny Harries, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, even suggested cycling as a good way to get kids out for exercise without mixing with other children.
So the bike becomes a vital vehicle for freedom and fresh air, our family P.E. lesson and a way to let off steam during this period of social isolation.
I don’t profess to be an expert on cycling during a global pandemic, but as a parent and a cyclist – and like so many of us trying to adapt to our new reality – I have a few thoughts on cycling and social distancing with your kids.
Getting Ready
1. Kids grow and a bike that they were cycling on a month ago can quickly become too small. This will make it harder and less enjoyable for them to ride. But a quick thing you can do is raise their saddle and handlebars. My daughter just turned 11 and has shot up recently so we adjusted her saddle using an allen key.
2. If you’ve not been out on your bikes for a while, you may need to set aside some time to check them over. A good way to start is an A, B, C check.
A. Air: Are the tyres pumped?
B: Brakes: Push the bike forward and check both brakes work
C: Chain: Lift the bike off the ground and spin the pedal to check the chain is on correctly and not making weird noises.
Depending on the age of your children, they might be able to help you pump the tyres, oil the chain and give their bikes a good clean. They may just prefer to watch Netflix while you do it but here’s hoping. Here’s a guide to cleaning and lubing your bike. Bike maintenance can be another lesson you add to the curriculum.
3. Think about your route before you go.
Don’t just set off and see where you get to, plan a route that you are familiar with. You want it to be as safe and stress-free as possible. I saw a family yesterday just doing curcuits of a quiet surburban square: simple, safe, local and fun. Perfect.
I have already majorly ‘mum-failed’ with two of my bike rides. One went through a park with a closed playground and my two-year-old was beside herself that we couldn’t stop and go in. My next bright idea was to go to a lovely open track through a farmer’s field – beautiful views and lots of space – BUT we had to go past my 11-year-old’s school to get there. For an emotional Year 6 who misses her friends, this was hard, but at least it gave her a chance to have a little cry and a cuddle.
Everyone’s situations and areas are different but sometimes keeping it simple is best.
4. Keeping a safe two-metre distance from others.
Whilst the roads are definitely quieter, there are others out taking strolls and walking dogs, and the places you expect to be quiet may not be because everyone has had the same idea as you.
We have adopted a new system of ‘wait & greet’. If we see anyone coming towards us and we do not think we can pass them safely, we simply stop and wait, say hello from a distance and then carry on once they have passed. It’s actually quite fun and sociable. Be sure to brief your kids on the system before you set off.
5. Road safety – While roads are quiet, this is a good opportunity to build up your older children’s confidence and skills at cycling on roads. Have a look at our guide to commuting for more cycle safety.
Remember to cycle a metre from the kerb. Be constantly aware of traffic around you. If you are cycling with your other half, it works well to have one parent in front, kids in the middle and the other parent at the back. And always stop safely when you get to a junction or the end of the kerb and discuss what to do next. Communication is key.
If you do not feel confident taking your kids on roads, don’t take the risk – cycle slowly on the pavement while being fully respectful of pedestrians, and try to find off-road routes. My daughter and I have a system where she cycles on the pavement and I cycle on the road next to her. This works quite well for a suburban saunter.
6. Get small children on a seat on the back or front of your bike. Read a guide to getting your baby on board. But it’s not just babies. I cycled with my daughter on my bike in a child seat until she was six. It’s a great to get out as a family if you have little ones and bigger ones.
My toddler insisted on carrying a large green Lego box with her throughout our entire ride. Perhaps not best parenting practice to let her, but what I am learning durng this crisis is to pick your battles and let them do the little things that make them happy. And to be fair, she didn’t drop it once.
When you get back, spray some antibacterial solution on your gloves, wash your hands and sit down for that cup of tea, which you will enjoy all the more for your trip out. Happy Cycling & Stay Safe.
Note 11/4/2020: I had major issues with my younger daughetrs helmet, it kept slipping back (as you can see from the photo above). It prompted me to do some reaserach and find a really good secure kids bike helmet. She is now the proud owner of This Pony Paradise helmet from ABUS. Check out the full range of you are looking for a good quality kids bike helmet for 1-8 year olds.
This article is based on current government advice that we can go out locally for exercise once a day alone or with members of our household as of 3rd April. Please check the government’s website for updates and changes.
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