Taking kids cycling in the City: Tips for safe and fun urban riding

1. Choosing the right bike

Before embarking on a cycling adventure, it’s key to ensure your child is riding a bike that is not only appropriate for their size and age, but also that is appropriate for the terrain they will be cycling on. At Frog Bikes, we offer a range of lightweight bikes specifically tailored for kids and their cycling discipline. For cycling on the tarmac, we recommend a city bike, a road bike, or a hybrid bike. 

2. Helmet on! 

Safety should always come first. Make sure your child wears a properly fitted helmet at all times while riding their bike. Knee and elbow pads can provide an extra layer of protection, especially for newer riders. 

3. Plan your route    
Choose a cycling route that's suitable for kids and avoids busy roads as much as possible. Look for dedicated bike paths, quiet streets, or parks with cycling lanes. Planning the route in advance will help reduce the risk of encountering heavy traffic and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

There are lots of ways to plan your route. Sustrans has info on all the routes on the National Cycle Network, just put in your location, the type of route you want, and the distance and it will give you your options. You can find the route planner here.

4. Teach traffic rules  

Teaching your kids basic traffic rules is essential for their safety. Explain the importance of obeying traffic signals, stopping at intersections, and using hand signals to indicate turns. Role-playing different scenarios can be a fun and effective way to help them understand these rules better.

5. Practice bike handling skills    
Before hitting the city streets, spend some time practising basic bike handling skills in a safe environment. Teach your child how to start and stop smoothly, turn corners, and use their brakes effectively. These skills will build their confidence and prepare them for navigating through urban challenges.

6. Be visible  

In a city environment, visibility is key. Make sure your child's bike is equipped with working lights and reflectors, especially if you plan to ride during dusk or dawn.

Hi-vis clothing is always a good choice, and reflective stickers can be added to the bike and helmet to enhance visibility and safety.

7. Ride during off-peak hours    
To minimise exposure to heavy traffic, consider riding during off-peak hours. Early mornings or late afternoons on weekends might be ideal times for a peaceful ride through the city.

8. Stay alert    
Encourage your child to stay alert and aware of their surroundings while riding. Teach them to anticipate potential hazards and be cautious around parked cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists. 

Bikeability recommends: Parent at the back, ride forward to the junctions and last through a junction.

This positioning is key to making sure children are safe on the road when you’re riding as a family. Small children aren’t always spotted by drivers, so by cycling behind them you are not only able to see where they are at all times, but you are also more likely to be seen by drivers coming from behind. If just one adult is riding with children, then you can ride to the front when approaching a junction and make sure it is safe, then follow so you are the last one through the junction. 
     
If there are two or more adults, one should stay at the back of the group and the other at the front. If you are at the front, make sure you are clear to the adult at the back where you are going – it can be useful to agree on some short verbal commands before you set off.

9. Make stops interesting  

Plan stops along the route to make the ride more exciting. Visit local parks, playgrounds, or landmarks where your child can take breaks, explore, and have fun off their bike.

ShreeveMat commented “Locally, we like the canal path routes to Regent’s Park where we can guide the girls along. We also like backstreet routes to lovely, car-free locations like Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square in Kings Cross. Both these spaces are favourites to cycle, skate, scoot and run around in all weather; although the Granary Square fountains are a big summer attraction.”