Top tips for biking with kids in the rain
9 April 2024
Are you ready to hop into the rainy season with your Frog bike?
Come April showers or muddy puddles, riding a bike can still be a fantastic experience for kids and families alike, as long as you are prepared…
Let’s put on some rain gear and delve into our tips for biking in the wet weather!
1. Fenders are your friends
Keep that splash at bay! Fenders or mudguards are like your trusty sidekick when riding in the rain. They'll help prevent water from spraying up onto your child’s back and soaking their clothes. Plus, they protect the bike from getting covered in mud and grime. So, if you haven’t fitted your child’s mudguards yet, now is the time.
“All Frog first pedal, hybrid and city bikes come with free mudguards (worth £28) providing an ideal barrier against unexpected showers and muddy trails, because we know kids love riding their bikes whatever the weather!” commented Val Benyon, Head of Marketing at Frog Bikes
2. Wet surfaces are slippery
Teach your kids the importance of taking it slow and steady on wet surfaces. Use this opportunity to explain why roads and drains get slippery when it rains and how to adapt their biking skills accordingly.
Rainwater mixes with oil residues, dust, and other substances on the road surface, creating a slick layer that reduces friction. This lack of friction makes it easier for bikes to lose traction and slip.
Emphasise the importance of reducing speed and maintaining a safe distance from obstacles, such as drains, puddles, or slick patches on the road. Encourage them to apply brakes gently and evenly to avoid skidding.
3. Stay visible
Rainy weather can make it harder for drivers to see you and your family when out on your bikes. Help your kids pick out bright, reflective gear and colourful lights to adorn their bikes. You can even turn it into a fun DIY project by decorating their helmets and bikes with reflective stickers. Make sure you have their bike spoke reflectors fitted too. It's better to stand out like a beacon than to blend into the grey background.
“It’s important to me to stay safe and visible when I’m riding my bike. If I’m riding in the dark I always wear a high vis and I always wear a helmet so I don’t get hurt. It’s important to be visible so everyone can see me and I can’t get hurt. And also so my mum can’t lose me!” - Zachy, Frog Ambassador
4. Keep it dry
Protect your gear from the elements! Invest in waterproof panniers or saddlebags to keep your belongings dry while you ride. You don't want to reach your destination only to find your snacks soggy! Encourage your little adventurers to pack their favourite snacks for a mid-ride picnic under a sheltering tree or tunnel.
5. Mind the brakes
Wet weather can compromise your brakes' effectiveness. Before heading out, give your brakes a few squeezes to clear away water and ensure they work properly. And remember, in the wet the brakes have to cut through the film of water on the bikes’ wheels before they start to work. So, teaching the children to start braking earlier than usual in the wet will give them plenty of stopping distance.
Lead by example by demonstrating safe biking practices yourself. Show your children how to navigate wet surfaces carefully and responsibly, reinforcing the importance of caution.
6. Tyre check
Make sure all the family’s bike tyres are up to the task. Riding in the rain means encountering slippery surfaces and potential hazards like debris or potholes hidden beneath puddles. Turn the tyre check into a fun inspection game! Get your kids involved in checking the tyres' pressure and condition and explain why good traction is essential for a safe ride.
7. Stay warm
It's dress-up time for rainy adventures! Let your kids pick out their favourite rain gear, from colourful rain jackets to funky waterproof footwear. Opt for moisture-wicking layers to keep sweat at bay and waterproof outer layers to shield them from the rain. Cycling gloves, that offer added grip are great to wear in wet weather as they help keep hands warm too. Remember to pack some extra layers for warmth and comfort during breaks or to change into at your destination.
“I once heard someone say, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” And I couldn’t agree more! If Katie is dressed appropriately for the weather then we can enjoy hours of fun on her bike, get it wrong and you have a grumpy Katie!”- Louise, Katie’s mum.
8. Aftercare is key
The adventure doesn't end when the ride does! Turn bike maintenance into a family affair by giving your Frog bikes some post-rain TLC together. Teaching your kids about bike care and responsibility is a great opportunity. Wipe the bikes down to remove any moisture and prevent rust from setting in. Pay special attention to the chain and drivetrain, as they can suffer the most from wet conditions.
Amir Khalid, R&D Manager at Frog Bikes commented, “Applying a bike protector spray after every major bike wash, to all components (except the chain, brake pads and braking surfaces) creates a protective barrier that prevents rust from forming. It also gives the paint and plastics a great shine and restores their depth of colour and makes wiping the bike down effortless after every wet or dusty ride.”
Remember, biking in the rain can be a thrilling experience, but safety should always come first. By being prepared you can turn a rainy day into a fun and memorable adventure with your Frog bikes.
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