Tagged with 'teaching a child to ride'

Pedalling with purpose: supporting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Pedalling with purpose: supporting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month a time dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by young cancer patients and their families. During this important month, it’s crucial to highlight initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of these children. One such initiative is the 5 a Day Challenge, organised by Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC). This amazing charity provides bikes and trikes to children with cancer, giving them a fun activity for kids to stay active and supporting both their physical and mental recovery while they tackle treatment and beyond. It’s all about making a positive difference and bringing fun and freedom to their journey..

About Cyclists Fighting Cancer

Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC) was founded in 2005 by Mike Grisenthwaite after his own battle with blood cancer. Drawing from his personal experience, Mike created CFC to give children living with cancer the chance to stay active during and after treatment. Cycling is not only a fun activity but also an ideal form of rehabilitation for young cancer patients.

According to the charity, research has shown that cycling offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, enhanced muscle strength, better coordination, and healthy weight maintenance—all while being low-impact and gentle on the body. Most importantly, cycling helps boost overall well-being, supporting both physical recovery and mental health.

The benefits of lightweight bikes for children with cancer

“A lightweight bike is essential when there are already issues with balance, coordination and strength as they are much easier to pedal and control which also aids confidence and self-esteem.” - Rachel Wignell, from CFC. “Cancer causes many side effects in children, with the most common ones being, pain, fatigue, loss of cardiovascular conditioning, muscle weakness, balance issues, coordination difficulties, lack of confidence, self-esteem and concerns over self-perception. Cycling is the ideal way to combat these negative effects, it helps the children to keep moving but in a low impact way. It encourages them to get out in the fresh air and have fun with family and friends without even realising that they are exercising and building up muscle strength while keeping their hearts and lungs healthy and strong.”


The difference a bike can make is profound. Here’s how some families have shared their experiences:

George’s Parent:

"George went out on his bike for the first time this afternoon, and the difference between this and other heavier bikes he’s tried was amazing. He’s never had the confidence or the strength to cycle as fast as he did today. You will never know how grateful we are for this amazing gift!"

Heidi’s Parent:

"Thank you so much for sending Heidi a bike! She’s been able to get out on it today for a short while and is looking forward to building her strength back up. So grateful to you all."

 

Chloe’s Parent:

“I would just like to say a massive thank you for the bike Chloe received, we gave it to her over the weekend and she absolutely loves it! It is so nice to see her getting out and about riding it as some days she finds any sort of physical activity difficult, so this has really helped. Thank you again”


What can you do during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?

The 5 a Day challenge

In honour of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC) is kicking off the 5 a Day Challenge, an inspiring initiative that raises awareness of a shocking statistic: every day, five children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer on average.

To show support, the challenge invites participants to ride 150 miles (or kilometres) throughout September, either in small rides with riding 5 miles or km or all in one go, representing the number of children diagnosed each day. CFC aims to get people of all ages—families, individuals, and cyclists—out on their bikes, having fun while making a real difference.

How to get involved

You can make a significant impact by participating in the 5 a Day Challenge. Here's how:

  • Sign up on the CFC website and join the ride!
  • Spread the word on social media by sharing your progress. Be sure to tag @CyclistsFightingCancer on Instagram or Facebook to raise awareness. (Icons to be added here for social media platforms)
  • Fundraise for the cause! If you raise £200, you’ll receive a free CFC cycling jersey as a thank-you for your efforts.
  • All funds raised will be used to purchase lightweight and specially adapted bikes for children undergoing cancer treatment, directly contributing to their recovery and daily lives.

Click here and donate to support Cyclists Fighting Cancer’s cause!

 

 

Team Frog is also pedalling with purpose!

Team Frog, including our Chief Frog and founder Jerry and other members of Frog Bikes, are also participating in the 5 a Day Challenge this September by cycling more than 500km combined. They are eager to raise funds to support this incredible cause. Follow their journey and help them pedal with purpose as they ride to make a difference for children battling cancer.

Check out our JustGiving page and support Cyclists fighting Cancer !

https://www.justgiving.com/page/frogbikes 

Discover the thrills of cycling at Herne Hill Velodrome

Discover the thrills of cycling at Herne Hill Velodrome

Located in the heart of London, Herne Hill Velodrome is a cycling haven with a rich history and a bright future. As one of the oldest cycling tracks in the world and the only surviving venue from the 1948 Olympic Games, the velodrome offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

It's a hub for cyclists of all ages and skill levels...

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Places to take your toddler cycling in the UK

Places to take your toddler cycling in the UK

Top toddler-friendly cycling destinations in the UK

Cycling isn't just a means of transportation; it's an adventure waiting to be embarked upon. And what better way to start your little one's cycling journey than by exploring the picturesque landscapes in the UK? From tranquil countryside paths to bustling urban parks, the UK offers beautiful cycling destinations perfect for toddlers and their families.

 

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Keeping kids motivated: Fun activities and games for cycling

Keeping kids motivated: Fun activities and games for cycling

Keeping kids motivated: Fun activities and games for cycling

We're all about igniting the passion for cycling in our little riders! Let's delve into a world of exciting ways to keep those budding cyclists inspired and eager for biking adventures!

1. Obstacle course extravaganza

What's more thrilling than a garden or park obstacle course to ride or glide around? Set up cones, hula hoops, and creative challenges. Turn it into a timed race or a friendly family competition to pump up the excitement! 

 2. Scavenger hunts on wheels 

Why not try a scavenger hunt for your neighbourhood cycle ride? Spot a supermarket, a bus stop, or a playground along the way and check them off the list as you go. Not only will it help with teamwork, observation and decision-making skills, but it also will make learning and cycling even more fun!

 

Download the ‘See the City in a new light scavenger hunt list >>

3. Decorate & ride  

Unleash creativity! Host a bike decorating session with vibrant streamers, stickers, and fun accessories. Then, parade the streets displaying the new bike artistry - a celebration of imagination on wheels!

Discover the world around you! Plan rides to nearby parks or nature trails. Encourage kids to observe and document nature's wonders, from birds and insects to diverse plant life. It's a biking adventure intertwined with a lesson in nature!

 

View our ‘How to spruce up your kid’s bike blog for more ideas >>

4. Nature explorer tours  

Discover the world around you! Plan rides to nearby parks or nature trails. Encourage kids to observe and document nature's wonders, from birds and insects to diverse plant life. It's a biking adventure intertwined with a lesson in nature!

 

Check out our blog ‘Connecting with nature through family cycling’ for more inspiration >>

5. Theme ride adventures  

Embark on themed rides! Become pirates, superheroes, or space explorers! Dress up accordingly and let your imaginations soar! It's more than just a ride; it's an immersive adventure through their imagination! Imagine superheroes flying through tunnels or explorers tackling forest trails in safari gear!

6. Skills and drills 

Once your child has mastered balancing and pedalling a bike, then it’s the perfect time to encourage them to learn some new skills and drills to challenge them. Balance beams, narrow bridges, makeshift tracks, slaloms, drifting, cornering and one-handed pedalling can all add to the excitement!

 

Check out our ‘Top 10 bikes skills for kids to learn’ blog >>

7. Get on your bike challenge 

Take your child on an exploration, with cycling-themed challenges to help encourage them to spend more time on their bikes. From racing around a pump track to riding through the longest tunnel you can find.

Download the ‘Get on your bike challenge’ activity sheet for fun biking tasks >>

Remember, it's not just about pedalling; it's about exploring, discovering, and experiencing the joy of cycling together!  

Let's keep the cycling spirit alive and pedal towards exciting adventures!

 

Frog bikes for kids 


Frog bikes cater to children aged 18 months to 13 years and beyond, encompassing a diverse selection including balance, first pedal, hybrid, road, track, city, and mountain bikes. 

 

Take a look at the range here >>

The benefits of balance bikes

The benefits of balance bikes

At Frog Bikes, we are dedicated to creating unforgettable cycling experiences for children. We want to introduce you to one of our favourite tools for igniting a lifelong love for cycling: balance bikes. These pint-sized wonders have been making waves in the world of children's cycling, and for good reason.

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Top 10 tips for kids learning to ride a bike

Top 10 tips for kids learning to ride a bike

How wonderful is it to stop and watch children riding past on their bikes with such confidence… We often wonder how long they have been riding.

The time it takes for children to feel confident on two wheels could be a day, a week, or even months. It’s essential to let kids practice cycling time and time again but also allow them a  break if they feel overwhelmed. 

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Frog Bikes kids sessions at Herne Hill Velodrome

Frog Bikes kids sessions at Herne Hill Velodrome

The Herne Hill Velodrome built in 1891 and one of the oldest cycling tracks in the world has chosen Frog Bikes to be their official ‘kids bike’ partner.

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Learning to ride: Part 2 Pedalling

Learning to ride: Part 2 Pedalling

In this blog we are going to explore the different stages of learning to pedal and break it down into sections. If your child is moving on from a Balance bike then you may not need to spend as much time on the learning to balance phase.

Wherever your mini biker is on their road to cycling superstardom we hope you’ll find this breakdown and tips from qualified trainers helpful.

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