How does cycling for kids support mental health?

8 Jan 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital world, ensuring the mental well-being of children is more important than ever. Cycling is an effective and enjoyable way to support children’s mental health.

Cycling and mental health for children

Beyond being a fun activity, cycling offers kids a wide range of mental health benefits, from boosting confidence to providing a healthy outlet for energy.

Frog Bikes, alongside initiatives like Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, are making it easier than ever for families to embrace cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice.

DID YOU KNOW?

The National Trust’s “Noticing Nature” report highlights that children who engage with nature are more likely to report good mental well-being. Outdoor activities like cycling play a significant role in this engagement.

What are the positive effects of outdoor cycling on kids’ mental health?

By combining exercise, social interaction, and the benefits of spending time outdoors, cycling can be a powerful tool in promoting and maintaining good mental health for children.

Reduces stress - Physical activity like cycling stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can help alleviate stress
Improves mood - Cycling can act as a natural mood lifter by promoting the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with feelings of happiness and well-being
Boosts self-esteem - As kids improve their cycling skills or complete a challenging ride, they experience a sense of achievement, which can enhance their self-confidence and self-worth
Enhances cognitive function - Regular cycling helps improve concentration and cognitive function, which can be beneficial in both school and other activities
Promotes social interaction - When children cycle in groups or with family members, they have the opportunity to engage in social interactions, promoting a sense of belonging and improving social skills
Helps with emotional regulation - Cycling encourages kids to develop self-regulation skills as they learn how to handle challenges such as difficult terrain, managing their speed, and staying focused
Promotes a sense of adventure - Cycling allows children to explore new areas, boosting curiosity, and creativity and encouraging outdoor exercise. The adventure aspect of cycling helps foster a sense of wonder and encourages exploration, which can positively affect mental health
Promotes healthy habits for children - Cycling gives kids an effective outlet for excess energy, helping them channel their enthusiasm and sometimes hyperactive behaviour into a constructive activity, promoting healthy habits for children
Improves emotional resilience - Kids who cycle regularly are more likely to develop resilience and a positive attitude towards overcoming obstacles

Image credits: @tej121

Quote from Rohan’s dad, Tej (Team GB AG Triathlete & Duathlete)

"Motivation wanes in January. It's still dark, cold, wet & windy. It's a big mental and physical challenge to get out there and cycle. We're all in the same place.

However, no one has ever completed a bike ride and felt bad for it. Especially when it's cold and wet. You feel even better for it and you feel quite proud of yourself.

Importantly, by pushing through one pedal stroke at a time I know I'm sending a very positive and inspiring message to my son, Rohan, that when things are a little challenging we find a way to get through them and don't let them stop us.

Most often we may incorporate a little treat mid-way, maybe a cheeky croissant or flapjack..."

Boosting children’s mental health through cycling activities
The benefits of cycling for kids' mental health are vast, but there are many other great reasons to get cycling too! Help your children get involved and join the ride.

Travel Faster - On a bicycle, you can travel approximately three times faster than you can walk, for the same amount of energy
Ditch the car - Cycle rather than drive to school twice a week for a year to offset emissions from making a Frog bike
Age is just a number - Cycling is a low-impact exercise suitable for all ages whether a young child or an older adult, biking is a fantastic way to stay active and healthy
Reduce air pollution - With the average school being just over 1 mile from home, a short 10-minute cycle to and from school each day is a great way to help start reducing traffic congestion and air pollution
Better Sleep - Regular cycling can improve a child’s sleep quality and help them fall asleep faster. A night of better rest could be just a bike ride away
Save on transport costs - Cycling is not only good for the planet but also your wallet. The cost of maintaining a bike is significantly lower than that of a car, making it a budget-friendly travel option
Make playtime fun - Children who cycle regularly tend to develop better coordination and balance. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage outdoor play and family time
Stronger together - Family bike rides are a great way to spend quality time together. It’s a fun, healthy activity that everyone can enjoy, and it helps build lasting memories
Explore the community - Cycling allows children to discover new places in their neighbourhood and beyond. It’s a fantastic way to explore parks, trails, and hidden gems you might otherwise miss

Click here to read Frog Bikes’ Annual Emissions Report for more information >>

Cycling and mountain biking in Scotland

How is Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) helping?
The Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) team has been running a Trail Therapy programme, a social prescription mountain biking programme, for over a year. The programme is designed to help riders grow in confidence, improve social interactions, establish self-regulation skills, and accelerate their road to well-being. As parents and children navigate through the natural landscapes, a range of therapeutic benefits unfolds, contributing to an enhanced sense of overall wellness.

Click here to read more about Trail Therapy >>

DID YOU KNOW?

A survey by Sport England found that only 46.8% of children and young people (aged 5-16) meet the recommended daily physical activity levels of 60 minutes. Encouraging cycling can help bridge this gap.

Tips for parents to encourage kids to cycle

Choose the right bike: Invest in a high-quality, lightweight bike like those from Frog Bikes to ensure your child enjoys riding.
Make it fun: Plan family rides, explore new trails or create fun challenges to keep your child engaged.
Focus on safety: Equip your child with a properly fitted helmet and teach basic cycling safety rules.
Explore together: Join your child on rides to share the experience and encourage bonding.
Leverage local resources: Take advantage of local pump tracks for kids. Pump tracks are fun and beneficial for people of all ages and abilities. A good pump track or skills park is designed so that anyone can use it, the only thing you need is the basic ability to ride a bike.

Check out our free downloadable resources to help make cycling more fun >>

Frog Bikes Partnerships Manager, Kirsteen says

“Riding my bike reminds me of who I am. The freedom, fresh air and being close to nature make me feel amazing.

Escaping my day-to-day life allows me to reset and get the physical activity my body craves. Focusing my mind on riding the trails, and challenging myself to try new routes and descents along the way makes me feel ageless and fearless! (Well, a bit!) There's no better way to get the endorphins flowing and a sense of accomplishment.

Immersing myself in nature on my bike is the best feeling in the world. In the woods I can think and breathe properly, I don't need to check my phone or be distracted by domestic chores I just ride. The feel-good factor lasts several days too so not only is it fun at the time but it leaves me feeling happier for days to come.”

Cycling isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s a lifestyle that supports physical and mental health for kids, builds connections, and nurtures a love for nature. Whether exploring local trails or cycling around your neighbourhood, the mental health benefits of cycling for kids are profound and long-lasting. Start your family’s cycling journey today with Frog Bikes.

Resources

Cycling as a family bonding activity >>

Encourage outdoor play through cycling >>

Top 10 health benefits for cycling with kids >>

The benefits of being part of a cycling club >>

Environmental benefits of cycling for kids and families >>

Embracing a car-free lifestyle >>

Trail Therapy: Getting out in the fresh air >>