As the new school year approaches, many parents are seeking healthy and sustainable ways for their children to travel to school. Encouraging children to cycle to school is a wonderful way to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. With the right preparation and gear, your children can enjoy a safe and enjoyable ride to school every day.
Ensure the children are prepared for biking to school with our guide...
As the new school year approaches, many parents are seeking healthy and sustainable ways for their children to travel to school. Encouraging children to cycle to school is a wonderful way to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. With the right preparation and gear, your children can enjoy a safe and enjoyable ride to school every day.
Ensure the children are prepared for biking to school with our guide...
In today's digital age, children increasingly gravitate towards indoor activities and screen time. While technology has its place, children hugely benefit from spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activities that promote their overall well-being. Among various outdoor activities, cycling stands out as a particularly beneficial one, offering a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits. Let's explore why encouraging outdoor play, especially cycling, is crucial for children's development. Here are some creative and practical ways to encourage kids to get on their bikes and pedal their way to fun and fitness.
A Frog bike isn't your typical children's bike! Not only are they specifically designed for kids based on scientific research, but we pride ourselves on the high-quality production of the entire bike that surpasses safety standards, from the wheels up to the handlebars. That’s why we think it is important to have our testing laboratory onsite in Wales, UK.
In our manufacturing facility in Pontypool, Wales, Frog Bikes has built a state-of-the-art testing suite where an array of meticulous tests are carried out on our bikes to ensure the utmost safety! The testing facilities situated right on our premises, allow us to maintain our commitment to safety, have greater quality control, and expedite changes that may need to be made. We proudly boast a flawless track record - Frog bikes have never once failed a single safety test!
Each Frog bike undergoes rigorous testing to adhere to a range of reputable standards, including:
These tests are agreed upon by experts from the industry - think of them as a formula that describes the best way of doing something. Our comprehensive assessments encompass dimensional and functional checks, static loads, fatigue and impact testing that all ensure our bikes meet the minimum safety requirements and beyond, and also exhibit robustness, durability and long-lasting performance.
We always test above and beyond industry standards, and even conduct more robust testing protocols to ensure increased durability and safety of our bikes. This not only enhances the reliability of our bikes but also aids us in the research and development of new frames, forks and bicycle components. You’ll thank us for not compromising on quality and safety!
The testing also enables us to make improvements to the design of our bikes to reduce the materials required to make them, whilst still keeping the same quality and robustness. For example, we’ve introduced novel spoke patterns to reduce the amount of stainless steel in each wheel, as well as lighter bottom brackets, lighter cranks, and shorter seat tubes, reducing the steel and aluminium in each bike. This work will roll out through our range and help contribute to our Sustainable Development goals.
We take a look at what’s involved in the testing process at Frog Bikes…
A fatigue test involves repeatedly applying loads for up to 100,000 cycles to meet the minimum level of safety, and beyond; for our own improved quality and owners' peace of mind. By undertaking this rigorous process on the frame, fork, saddle, seat post, handlebars, pedals and cranks, we simulate not only their minimum lifespan but also their extended lifespan, to reveal their true potential.
The loads are measured using load cells and are accurately applied through pneumatic air cylinders. An electro-pneumatic control box manages the duration of each load, monitors repetitions achieved and will automatically cease operations when the target cycle count is reached. Our advanced testing system ensures safety is never compromised!
Here are the loads and cycles we fatigue test:
Frog's hybrid bikes exemplify outstanding durability, successfully enduring approximately 350,000 cycles of horizontal fatigue during testing. This remarkable achievement far surpasses the ISO 4210 standard's requirement of 100,000 cycles at the City and trekking level, demonstrating the superior quality and resilience of Frog's products.
Frog's balance bikes undergo rigorous testing too, which is not a requirement. This includes horizontal fatigue assessment. An exceptional example is the Tadpole + balance bike, which impressively surpassed even adult standards by reaching an astounding 1,000,000 cycles in testing!
The purpose of impact testing is to simulate extreme events such as jumps and crashes by dropping weights onto components, or loading components with weights and dropping them through varying heights (depending on the application). This helps to ensure that our bikes are built to last and can endure the boundless adventures of children.
Here are the loads and cycles we impact test:
Static loads are where we subject our safety critical components to high loads, seeking out for any signs of cracks, fractures, deflection, deformation or slippage beyond safe limits. This ensures that our bikes offer unyielding strength and durability.
Here are the loads and cycles we static load test:
Dimension checks are made to every major component and the entire bike to ensure that components interact as they should. We meticulously evaluate safety clearances such as the precise reach distances in brake levers, finger traps, toe clearance, pedal ground clearance, angles of tilt, gaps between tyres and the frame and insertion depths. These minute details are crucial for both safety and performance.
With unwavering attention, we make a multitude of functional checks such as tightening torques, measuring the force to remove hand grips in differing environmental conditions from cold and wet to hot, measuring the force required to pull the brake levers and operate quick release mechanisms, ensuring seamless operation when it matters most. We detect any stiff spots and slackness in bearings and assemblies, sharp edges and dangerous protrusions.
We also examine the distribution of a rider’s weight through the bicycle, ensuring optimal balance and performance. To truly push the limits we put our bikes through braking performance tests, physically riding them in both wet and dry conditions. With precision and accuracy, we measure braking distances at varying speeds and rider weights, guaranteeing excellent braking performance.
| Bike Range | Bike Model | Standards met |
|---|---|---|
| Balance Bike | Tadpole Mini | EN71 (Toys) and ASTM F963-19 (Toys) |
| Balance Bike | Tadpole | EN71 (Toys) and ASTM F963-19 (Toys) |
| Balance Bike | Tadpole Plus | EN71 (Toys) and ASTM F963-19 (Toys) |
| First Pedal | Frog 40 | ISO 8098 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| First Pedal | Frog 44 | ISO 8098 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| First Pedal | Frog 47 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Hybrid Bike | Frog 53 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Hybrid Bike | Frog 61 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Hybrid Bike | Frog 67 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Hybrid Bike | Frog 73 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Hybrid Bike | Frog 78 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Road Bike | Frog Road 58 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Road Bike | Frog Road 67 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Road Bike | Frog Road 70 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Track Bike | Frog Track 58 | ISO 4210 Frame and fork only |
| Track Bike | Frog Track 67 | ISO 4210 Frame and fork only |
| Track Bike | Frog Track 70 | ISO 4210 Frame and fork only |
| Mountain Bike | Frog MTB 62 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Mountain Bike | Frog MTB 69 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Mountain Bike | Frog MTB 72 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| City Bike | Frog City 53 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| City Bike | Frog City 61 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| City Bike | Frog City 67 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every meticulous test
conducted in our state-of-the-art facility in Wales, UK. With a flawless
track record and a steadfast commitment to safety and reliability, Frog
Bikes remains your trusted partner in providing premium quality for young
riders.
Frog Bikes has been hopping around for 11 fantastic years! As we reflect on this exciting milestone, we’re thrilled to share the 11 invaluable lessons we’ve learned throughout this fantastic journey…
As the holiday season approaches, parents around the world find themselves searching for that perfect gift to light up their child's eyes on Christmas morning. While the options are plenty, there's one gift that stands out from the rest – a bike!
Beyond the appeal of modern gadgets, a Frog bike embodies the true essence of childhood: adventure, freedom, and the joy of exploration. This year, consider giving your child more than just a bike; give them the gift of adventure!
Cycling is a wonderful activity that not only provides kids with an enjoyable experience but also offers a variety of health benefits, including cardiovascular health, enhanced strength, better balance and cognitive function, and improved mental health!
“Cycling is an important life skill and at the Bikeability Trust, we believe all children should have the opportunity to learn how to ride. As a form of active travel, cycling not only benefits the environment and our communities, but it is also a great way to stay fit. Children who cycle benefit from short and long-term health benefits, including increased overall fitness levels and stronger leg muscles and joints.
It is also fantastic for mental health – getting outside on your cycle in the fresh air is a great way to de-stress, socialise and release happy hormones, all of which are great for improving mood. We want all children to be able to access cycling and lead happier, healthier lives.”
Emily Cherry, CEO of the Bikeability Trust
We caught up with Hannah at Bumble Bee Physio, Mum to our ambassador Akaari, to discuss the top 10 health benefits of cycling.
1. Improved cardiovascular health
Cycling is a great form of aerobic exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health in kids. Cycling works the heart and lungs and improves endurance and stamina which is vital for having fun! Using the leg muscles requires a lot of oxygen, and gets the heart pumping, and the lungs breathing faster. Over time, the heart and lungs become more efficient, and kids can cycle faster, for longer! But it’s not just cycling that it’s useful for. Cardiovascular health carries over into many other functional kids’ activities! Playing in playgrounds, climbing trees, running races, squatting to play in the sand, swimming in the sea. All of these things are more enjoyable with good cardiovascular fitness.
Hannah’s top tip: Create a family cycle log, and log how many miles you can cycle in the month! Plot them on a map and see how far you cycled.
Image credits @benbikes2016
2. Enhanced strength and muscle power
Cycling is also an excellent way to improve strength and muscle power in kids. It helps build muscle tone as well as improve their overall physical stamina.
Cycling and using a balance bike works the quadriceps (thigh muscles) and gluteals (hip muscles), making them strong, powerful and efficient! The motion of pushing the pedals (especially uphill!) or pushing along the floor on a balance bike, fires up those muscles and works them hard! Over time, they will get bigger and stronger, able to push further, and faster! This newfound strength will be so useful for all kinds of sports, from football to dance, cricket to basketball! By cycling regularly, kids can reduce their risk of injury and improve their ability to perform physical activities.
Hannah’s top tip: Find a hill and mark out an endpoint, such as a lamp post to cycle to. Next time, try and get a little further, and gradually increase your distance each time. This helps strengthen those muscles whilst adding a sense of fun and achievement.
Image credits @mael_cycliste
3. Boosts child’s confidence
Cycling can help children gain confidence in themselves while improving self-esteem, even though it may appear to be all fun and games. Cycling can also help your child develop social skills by allowing them to engage with others while riding on trails or in a cycling class. Riding boosts self-esteem, allowing kids to become more self-assured. Cycling with your child can be a fun way to spend quality time together while improving muscle control and coordination and encouraging independence.
“That feeling of accomplishment is vital for children’s well-being and self-esteem! Cycling provides a clear, achievable and realistic goal for your child to feel great about! From cycling to the shops, the playground, to nursery or school, your child has travelled from A to B, themself! That’s something they will be proud of and cherish. Research shows that kids with a clear sense of self-worth are happier and perform better in school.”- Hannah Spink, Bumblebee Physiotherapy
Image credits @joshuasamuelcutting
4. Mental health improvements
Having adventures on two wheels is not just beneficial for physical health, but also for kids' mindsets. During cycling, endorphins are released, which are the body's natural mood boosters. In addition, the benefits extend beyond physical fitness, as the act of pedalling through the great outdoors fosters a sense of freedom and adventure. When kids hop on their bikes and start riding, their bodies release endorphins, those natural feel-good chemicals that can boost their mood. This combination of physical activity and the sheer joy of exploring their surroundings can help kids develop a more positive outlook on life, improve their self-esteem, and provide a healthy outlet for managing emotions. Moreover, cycling encourages a sense of independence and accomplishment, further enhancing a child's well-being.
Image Credits @the_life_of_arlo_and_orla
5. Improved balance and coordination
Did you know that deep core stability helps kids to concentrate, sit still and focus in school? It requires the use of multiple muscle groups, which can help improve their overall body control. It can also help improve their balance, especially for kids who are still developing their motor skills.
Hannah suggests ”Balancing on two wheels, whether it’s with or without pedals, gets those core muscles working super hard! The ability to stay upright requires many contractions of hundreds of tiny muscles! This forms muscle memories over time, making it easier and easier each time. It improves kids’ posture in sitting and standing, meaning their muscles are working in the most efficient way possible. They are less likely to slouch or have back and neck pain with a strong core, and with the muscles working in harmony, more oxygen will travel to their brain when concentrating on a new task!” Fascinating.
Hannah’s top tip: Measure your child’s balance by timing how long they can stand on one leg. Practice lots and lots of cycling, and measure again to see the improvement!
Image credits @noscaasi88
6. Better sleep quality
Taking kids out on bikes also helps them sleep better. Regular exercise can help regulate sleep patterns, making it easier for kids to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. And as we know a good night's sleep is important for kids' overall health and well-being.
Kids sleep much better after exercise. Cycling is a combination of strength, endurance and stamina! Exercising makes kids fall asleep more rapidly than sedentary kids (great for adults too!) and has better sleep quality, with more consistent routines. Kids thrive off of good quality sleep with increased energy levels for play!
Hannah’s top tip: Try a nighttime cycle with lights on before bed! Have a calming story after and watch your kids quickly drift off!
Image Credits @the_life_of_arlo_and_orla
7. Strengthened immune system
The benefits of biking for kids include a stronger immune system. Regular exercise can help increase the production of white blood cells, which can help fight off infections and diseases. It can also help reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as asthma and allergies.
Image credits @henryslocks
8. Enhanced cognitive function
Children's cognitive function can also be improved by cycling. The benefits of regular exercise can include improved memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. It can also help reduce the risk of cognitive decline later in life.
Cycling is a fantastic method for kids to get outside and exercise while also teaching them essential life skills such as problem-solving, independence, creativity, and social interaction. It's easy to forget, with all of the technological advancements over the last few decades, how beneficial playing outside can be for both parents and children. Outside play not only helps your children improve their motor skills, but it also allows them to get some exercise without having to stay inside all day!
Hannah commented, “Riding a balance bike from an early age is excellent for advancing cognitive function. Infants are naturally curious and highly active, wanting to explore anything and everything! The Frog Tadpole Mini is low to the ground and makes nature and the world easy to see and reach for a toddler! By replacing the buggy with a bike your toddler’s mind will be stimulated like never before, as they explore this newly found freedom and venture outside. The independent movement allows a toddler to make their own choices - improving their ability to empathise, problem-solve and plan. The benefits don’t stop there! By choosing and exploring the world, toddlers' brains are stimulated much more than when they’re sedentary, leading to increased vocalising and speech. That’s your excuse to start swapping your 4 wheels for 2!”
Hannah’s top tip: Start encouraging and practising their holding-on skills from 6 months, to prepare them! Think rocking horses, seesaws and sit on toys.
Image Credits @akarichan2022
9. Increased social interaction
The act of cycling is also a very effective way of increasing kids' social interaction. It is a fun activity that can be enjoyed with both friends and family and it can help improve communication and teamwork skills, which are important for overall social development.
Hannah states- “Riding a bike is a very social form of travelling! In the great outdoors, you can have all sorts of interactions with people. As kids become older, organised cycling events build friendships and communities. When toddlers use their balance bikes instead of buggies, they are closer to each other and able to motivate one another!”
10. Environmental Awareness
Cycling introduces children to eco-friendly transportation alternatives. It helps them develop a greater appreciation for the environment and encourages them to reduce their carbon footprint. Adults who cycle and demonstrate eco-friendly behaviours set a powerful example for children. When kids see their parents or caregivers embracing cycling as a sustainable choice, they are more likely to follow suit.
Car-free family, The Shreeve Family cycle everywhere they can. They have been car-free as a couple since 2009 and as a family since 2013. Their girls are similarly sustainability-minded and love cycling. Maya our ambassador loves her Frog City bike and you might see her cycling to school or around London with her family.
“Enjoy the ride: Take the safety route, not the fastest route. Life doesn’t all have to be about racing from here to there. When cycling with kids, the more indirect, quieter routes can also be the most fun. If the girls are cycling their Frog Bikes on the road alongside Mummy & Daddy, I’d typically scope the route first, with the girls cycling on dedicated cycleways or the quieter low-traffic neighbourhood streets where there’s limited through traffic.”- Mat Shreeve- JAMM Innovation Ltd and Dad to Maya and Anya
Image credits @2wheels2kids
A significant benefit of cycling is its minimal impact on the environment. By choosing to cycle instead of driving, kids can help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Encouraging kids to cycle fosters a sense of environmental responsibility. They become more attuned to their surroundings, appreciate the beauty of nature, and develop a stronger connection to the environment.
Cycling is a great way for kids to improve their overall health and well-being. From improved cardiovascular health to increased social interaction, the benefits of cycling are aplenty. So, encourage your kids to start cycling today and promote a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Check out our range of kids’ bikes for 18 months to 14+ years - we’ve got you covered. www.frogbikes.co.uk/bikes
Resources
Read about Anna’s journey as a child cyclist
https://www.frogbikes.co.uk/blog/interview_with_lifelong_cyclist_anna_glowinski
Riddings School case study
Child-friendly pump tracks
https://www.frogbikes.co.uk/blog/child_friendly_pump_track_in_the_uk
8 of the best picturesque UK family cycle routes
https://www.frogbikes.co.uk/blog/8_of_the_best_picturesque_uk_family_cycle_routes
