Encouraging outdoor play through cycling

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:

Image credits: @thefreemantlefamilyadventures

Outdoor play is fundamental for children's growth and development. Here are some key benefits:

• Improved fitness: Engaging in physical activities like cycling helps children develop strong muscles and bones, improves cardiovascular health, and helps enhance coordination and balance.
• Improved motor skills: Riding a bike requires, a combination of balance, steering, and pedalling, which are crucial for developing fine and gross motor skills. These skills are essential for everyday activities and can enhance a child's overall physical development.
• Enhanced creativity: Playing outside encourages imaginative play and creativity, as children interact with the natural environment and come up with their own games.
• Better sleep: Physical activity and exposure to natural light help regulate sleep patterns, ensuring children get quality rest.
• Connection with nature: Regular outdoor play helps children develop a love for nature, promoting environmental stewardship from a young age.
• Improved social interaction:  Outdoor play often involves group activities that require children to communicate, cooperate, and negotiate. These interactions are crucial for developing social skills and building friendships. Cycling in groups or participating in team sports fosters a sense of community and belonging.
• Building friendships: Playing outside provides opportunities for children to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships.

Image credits: @henryslocks

1. Make it a family affair 

Children often mimic the behaviour of their parents and are more likely to take up biking if they see their parents or guardians enjoying it. Make biking a family affair. By planning regular family bike rides, you create an opportunity for quality bonding time and set a positive example. Choose scenic routes or nearby parks and make it a weekly tradition. Celebrate the little milestones, like reaching a new park or completing a longer route, to keep the excitement alive. It’s great to organise bike-friendly picnics to parks, and ice cream shops to create positive associations with biking. Plan family outings that involve exploring nature, such as hiking, bird watching, or simply playing in the park.

Click here to find out why you should cycle as a family >>

2. Create a bike-friendly environment 

Ensure that your home and neighbourhood are bike-friendly. This includes having safe and accessible storage for bikes and ensuring that the local area has bike paths or parks where kids can ride safely. If your community lacks these facilities, consider joining or forming a local advocacy group to push for better biking infrastructure.

Whenever possible, encourage your child to ride on designated bike paths away from traffic.

Click here to discover national cycle networks >>

Image credits:  @katieridesherbike

3. Customise and personalise

Allow children to take ownership of their bikes by allowing them to choose colours, add stickers, or personalise their bikes with fun accessories like bells, streamers, spoke decorations and baskets. A bike that reflects their personality can make the idea of riding more appealing.

Take a look at some ideas here >>

Image credits:  @miaridesherbike

4. Organise bike playdates

Coordinate with other parents to set up regular bike playdates. Riding with friends can be a great motivator for kids. They can explore together, race each other, and share in the joy of biking. Ensure that these playdates are safe and supervised, especially for younger children.

Tip: Host a bike-themed party or a cycling scavenger hunt to add an element of adventure and excitement.

Image credits: @the_life_of_arlo_and_orla

5. Incorporate fun activities 

Incorporate games and challenges into bike riding to make it more engaging. Organise scavenger hunts where children bike to different locations to find clues or treasures. Create obstacle courses in your garden or at a local park to improve their biking skills in a fun way.

Create a reward system to celebrate milestones and consistent participation. Rewards could be as simple as stickers, a special treat, or even a new bike accessory. The key is to acknowledge their efforts and progress. Introduce games like bike tag, obstacle courses, or scavenger hunts to make biking more engaging.

Check out our free downloadable worksheets to make it more fun >>

Tip: Create a progress chart where your child can track their biking achievements and earn stickers or badges.

Click here to explore fun activities and games for cycling >>

Image credits: zachysbigquest

6. Educate and empower 

Always ensure the bike that you choose is the correct size for your child and is in good working condition. Teach your child the traffic rules of the road and basic bike maintenance skills. Understanding how to ride safely and take care of their bikes can give them a sense of responsibility and confidence. Make these learning sessions fun and interactive rather than a chore.

Ensure your child has the necessary safety gear, such as a helmet and reflective clothing. Teach them road safety rules and the importance of staying vigilant. Having the right equipment can make outdoor activities more enjoyable and safe.

Tip: Make safety drills a fun game. Practice signalling turns, stopping quickly, and looking both ways at intersections.

Image credits:  @thewoodentraveler

8. Lead by Example 

Your enthusiasm for biking can be contagious. Share your own positive experiences with biking and join your kids in their rides whenever possible. Your genuine interest and excitement will encourage them to share in the activity.

Join groups: Encourage your child to join cycling clubs or participate in community cycling events. This adds a social element and makes the activity more enjoyable.

Tip: Plan regular family bike outings, whether it's a weekend trip to a nearby park or a longer biking adventure during holidays.

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

“I try and incorporate some exercise into my day, every single day, even if it's just 10 minutes. Rohan has been watching this for years now and from getting him on the balance bike to the pedal bike he mimics what he has seen me do: putting the helmet first of all, walking the bike outside, climbing on, checking the brakes work, even stopping for water & snack mid-way through a ride. From a very young age, I believe our kids try and emulate what we do as parents so I am trying to consistently show him how fun it is to be out on the bike.”

 Image credits:  @tej121

9. Connect with your child’s interests 

Link biking to your child’s interests can make it more fun for them. If they love nature, plan rides which involve exploring trails, observing wildlife, or visiting nature reserves. If they enjoy technology, consider integrating a fitness app that tracks their rides and achievements.

Image credits:  @benbikes2016

10. Be patient and encouraging

Not all kids will take to biking immediately. It’s important to be patient and offer consistent encouragement. Celebrate small victories and avoid pushing them too hard. The goal is to make biking a fun and positive experience.

Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate each little achievement, whether it’s balancing for a few seconds or riding a short distance.

Check out ideas here >>

Image credits:  @akarichan2022 

Hannah Spink, children’s psychologist for Bumble Bee Physio commented,

"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!” 

Click here to read Hannah’s top 10 health benefits of cycling >>

Image credits: @bumblebeephysio