Newsletter

May is National Bike Month! Biking is an excellent activity for families to do together. It allows kids and parents to be active and enjoy the outdoors while also exploring areas further than they could reach on foot. It is much more eco-friendly than driving and can be adapted for kids of all ages! If you are interested in getting your family biking together this spring and summer, here are a few tips to get started:

Get the right gear

Bikes are the safest and most fun when they are the right fit for your child. For small children, start with a bike trailer or a seat on your bike before they graduate to a balance bike. If you’re going long distances, it is probably best to have the kids on your bike. Some trailers have space for additional stuff, for entertaining small children or packing a picnic lunch for your destination. For kids learning how to bike, a balance bike can be a useful introduction to the required skills.

Once a child outgrows the balance bike, they can move to a tricycle, a bike with training wheels, and then eventually a “real” bike. For older kids, the bike’s fit is crucial. You can find sizing guides online to ensure that your children’s bikes are not too big or too small. If this seems like an undue financial burden, look for gently-used bikes on Craigslist or your local thrift store. Some companies even service and upcycle used children’s bikes for repeated use.

Of course, your children will all need helmets. Helmets should be CPSC/ASTM certified and sized to fit your child’s head. For very small children, make sure that the helmet is not too heavy, as their neck strength is limited.

Prepare for the weather

If you’re going to be out for several hours, remember to prepare for weather changes. In the winter, layers are essential to make sure you aren’t too cold or too warm, especially after you get moving. No matter what the weather looks like, sunscreen is always a good idea, as is packing a light poncho or other provisions for the rain. In the summer, bug spray or some sort of repellent is a nice idea if your ultimate destination is outdoors.

Pick your destination

Biking does allow you to venture further from your house, but remember that you are still limited by your children’s attention spans. For the first couple of outings, keep the mileage low so you can judge your kids’ temperaments, as well as build up their biking endurance. A local park could be a good destination for a low stress first ride. Try to pick routes that are away from busy traffic. You can search for bike trails near you to explore away from cars. As you begin to expand your trips, look for things that interest your families - do you enjoy museums, historical attractions, delicious restaurants? The possibilities are endless!

Where will biking take you this summer?

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- Avoid heat stroke. Kids should wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. They should also drink plenty of water. If you’re outside for long periods, cool them off with a dip in the pool or have a spot with shade to get out of the sun.

- Always supervise kids around water. It is possible to drown in an inch of water, so never leave kids playing unattended by any kind of water.

- Get them proper swimming lessons. If your child hasn’t yet learned to swim, it’s a good idea to sign them up for lessons with a professional.

- Protect them from bugs. Mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests can transmit dangerous diseases. Apply insect repellent on children when they go outside to play in the summer, taking care to avoid the eyes, mouth, hands, and any cuts.

- Get inside when weather turns foul. Have a plan in place to get to safety when you hear thunder while outdoors.

We wish you and your family a safe and wonderful summer!

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