Tips for embracing a car-free lifestyle
- May 13, 2024
Eco-conscious adventurers - if you're considering the leap into a car-free lifestyle, we at Frog Bikes are here to hop alongside you on this journey.
Going car-free isn't just about reducing your carbon footprint; it's about embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle while exploring your surroundings in a completely new light. But, you can’t do it alone, you have to get the whole family onboard and involved!
According to Sustrans, they found that up to 2.3 million cars are taken off the road every day by walking and cycling in the 23 urban areas surveyed.
Here are some tips to help you along the way:
1. Invest in a quality bike
During this car-free adventure, your trusty bikes will transform into your and your family's closest companion. Choosing a bike that suits their needs, whether it's for commuting to school or leisurely rides with the family, having a lightweight, well-fitting bike will make journeys easier and more pleasurable and means they can cycle for longer.
KIDS BIKES
Here’s our checklist for selecting a kids’ bike:
- The correct size for your child - Depending on their inside leg measurement, height, and level of cycling confidence. Find your fit here with Frog Bikes>>
- Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre - Look for a bike with a lightweight yet durable frame material, such as aluminium. Avoid heavy bikes that may be difficult for your child to handle
- Child-sized components tailored for younger riders - As children have shorter arms and legs, hands and feet, and narrower hips and shoulders than adults, bikes need to be specifically designed for their anatomies
- Premium components - High-quality components contribute to a smoother and more reliable riding experience
- Meet or exceed safety standards - This means that the bikes must pass rigorous testing to ensure safety
- Gearing - Consider whether your child needs a bike with multiple gears for riding on different terrains. Single-speed bikes are suitable for younger children and beginners, while multi-speed bikes offer more versatility for older kids
- Additional safety features - Such as reflectors, chainguards and handlebar grips
- Choose the right bike type based on its intended use:
- For children who are still mastering pedalling, a balance bike is the ideal choice
- Transitioning from a balance bike to their first pedal bike? Consider a first pedal bike for a smooth transition
- If versatility across various terrains is desired, a hybrid bike offers the best option
- For urban commuting and navigating city streets, a city bike provides practicality and comfort
- For speed and efficiency on paved roads, road bikes are designed for long-distance rides and racing
- For adventurous exploration of trails and rough terrain, opt for a mountain bike
Finally, encourage your child to test-ride the bike before making a purchase. Ensure that they feel comfortable and confident while riding and that the bike meets their needs in terms of size, comfort, and functionality.
Frog Bikes offers a range of durable, lightweight kids’ bikes perfect for any terrain or activity.
ADULTS BIKES
To find the perfect adult bike, we suggest stopping by your nearby bike store. Here, you can chat about your unique cycling requirements and discover the ideal bike for you.
Opting for a purchase from a local shop means you'll have access to continuous assistance and upkeep. The team can assist with bike fittings, tweaks, and fixes, guaranteeing your bike stays in prime shape over time. Additionally, numerous local shops provide services post-purchase like tune-ups and warranty aid, elevating your cycling journey and confidence.
2. Plan your routes
Before setting out, take some time to plan your routes. Look for bike-friendly paths, lanes, and low-traffic routes, especially when you're just getting started. This will help to reduce challenges en route and you can prepare the family for the journey ahead.
Here are some apps and websites that can help you plan bike-friendly routes and make your cycling experience safer and more enjoyable:
Google Maps: Google Maps offers a cycling option that provides routes specifically tailored for cyclists. It highlights bike paths, bike lanes, and roads with low traffic to help you plan your journey. You can also use it to estimate the duration of your ride and explore points of interest along the way.
Strava: Strava is a popular fitness app for cyclists and runners that allows you to track your rides, set goals, and connect with other users. It also offers a route planning feature where you can discover popular routes in your area or create customised routes based on your preferences. Find out more about Strava here: www.strava.com/
Ride with GPS: Ride with GPS is a comprehensive route planning tool that offers detailed maps, elevation profiles, and turn-by-turn navigation for cyclists. You can explore routes created by other users or plan your routes using the intuitive route planner tool. Discover Ride with GPS here: ridewithgps.com/route_planner
Komoot: Komoot is a versatile route-planning app that caters to various outdoor activities, including cycling, hiking, and mountain biking. It offers personalised route recommendations based on your fitness level and preferences, as well as offline maps for navigating in areas with limited cellular coverage. Learn more here: www.komoot.com/
MapMyRide: MapMyRide is another popular app for cyclists that allows you to track your rides, analyse your performance, and discover new routes. It offers a large database of user-generated routes and a route planning feature where you can create your custom routes. Find out more here: www.mapmyride.com/
Cycling UK: Cycling UK's website offers a wealth of resources for cyclists, including route guides, safety tips, and information on cycling infrastructure. You can use their online route planner to find bike-friendly routes in the UK or explore their collection of curated route guides. Visit www.cyclinguk.org/journey-planner
ShreeveMat, Frog ambassador, commented, “Enjoy the ride. Take the safest route, not the fastest route. Life doesn’t always 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 with Mummy & Daddy, I’d typically scope the route first, with the girls cycling on dedicated cycleways or the quieter low-traffic streets where there is limited through traffic.”
Local Bike Advocacy Groups: Many cities and regions have local bike advocacy groups or organisations that provide resources and information for cyclists, including bike-friendly route maps and recommendations. Check with your local cycling community or city government for relevant resources.
By using these apps and websites, you can easily plan bike-friendly routes that cater to your preferences and skill level, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable cycling experience for you and your family.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that children who walk or cycle to school have better concentration levels throughout the morning compared to those who travel by car. The increased physical activity and exposure to fresh air are believed to contribute to this improvement in concentration, which can positively impact academic performance.
3. Safety first
Safety should always be your top priority when cycling. Invest in high-quality safety gear, including lights, reflective clothing, and a sturdy lock for your bike. Remember to follow traffic rules and stay vigilant on the road.
Take cycling training: Cycling training is an excellent way for those who are less experienced or those who plan to cycle with their families, to develop skills, confidence, and knowledge for riding on the roads. Bikeability offers numerous cycling training courses for adults and children.
Helmet safety: Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries in case of falls or collisions. It's not just about wearing any helmet; investing in a good quality helmet that fits properly is crucial. Look for helmets that are certified by safety standards to ensure maximum protection. View the ‘Fitting a kids bike helmet’ blog for more information.
Be visible: Lights are essential to enhance visibility to motorists and pedestrians, especially when riding in low-light conditions or at night. Reflective clothing further increases visibility, making it easier for others to spot you and your family on the road. Investing in these safety measures can greatly reduce the risk of accidents. For more information take a look at the ‘Essential gear for kids cycling’ blog here.
Sturdy bike lock: Bicycle theft is unfortunately common in many areas. A sturdy lock is essential to deter theft and secure your bikes when parked. Look for locks made of durable materials and consider using multiple locks for added security, especially in high-theft areas.
Traffic rules adherence: Cyclists are considered vehicles on the road and are required to follow the same traffic rules as motorists. This includes obeying traffic signals, yielding to pedestrians, and using hand signals for turning. By adhering to traffic rules, cyclists can ensure their safety and the safety of others sharing the road. View the ‘Hand signalling tips for safer cycling with kids’ blog for more information.
Bikeability Instructor Terry Nye suggests. “Practice riding as a group in a park or somewhere first. Plenty of observation, keep your distance, cover your brakes.” - Take a look at the ‘Bikeability’s tips for cycling with children on the roads’ blog for more information.
Stay vigilant: Being aware of your surroundings is crucial when cycling. Stay alert for potential hazards such as potholes, debris, or unpredictable behaviour from other road users. Avoid distractions like using your phone while cycling, as it can impair your ability to react quickly to changing situations.
Every mile travelled by bike rather than car saves an estimated 248g of CO2 emissions. In the UK, around 60% of all car trips are under 5 miles (and 25% under 2 miles) - swapping from car to bike for these trips could reduce your CO2 emissions by around 188 kg per year. *
*Sources: Average car emissions | Bike emissions | Trip length by car
4. Embrace public transport
Going car-free doesn't mean you have to rely solely on your bike. Public transport can complement your cycling adventures, especially for longer journeys or bad weather. Explore bus and train routes in your area to expand your family’s mobility options.
Bike racks: Some buses and trains are equipped with bike racks on the front or rear, allowing cyclists to easily load and unload their bikes before boarding. Familiarise yourself and the family with how to use these bike racks before your journey.
Bike storage areas: Some trains and buses have designated storage areas or compartments for bikes. Check with the public transport provider for specific guidelines on transporting bikes and any associated fees or regulations.
Shreevemat, Frog ambassador commented “We’ve lived car-free as a couple since 2009, and as a family since 2013. We’ve rented plenty of petrol/diesel and more recently hybrid and pure electric cars during that period to leave town, or we take the train. London’s transport system of the Tube, Buses and Overground do the rest. The Overground train network is particularly useful, as we can take the bikes on there, and get out of central London to the countryside without too much hassle.”
According to Network Rail, over 1,500 stations across the UK offer bike parking facilities to encourage cycling as a first-mile and last-mile solution for rail passengers.
5. Join the community
Connect with other cyclists and advocates in your community. Local cycling groups or bike co-ops can offer support, resources, and camaraderie as you navigate your car-free lifestyle.
Sharing experiences and tips with like-minded individuals can be both inspiring and empowering.
- Visit Cycling UK for a list of cycling groups >>
- View the British Cycling ‘Let’s Ride’ website for local cycling groups >>
- Google ‘local cycling groups’ to find the nearest groups to you
In a survey by PeopleForBikes, 78% of respondents said that biking helped them feel more connected to their communities.
6. Stay flexible
There may be times when a car is necessary, and that's okay! Embrace flexibility in your car-free journey and find solutions that work for you.
Carpooling with friends
Carpooling is a great way to share transportation responsibilities and reduce individual carbon footprints. Coordinate with friends, neighbours, or colleagues who may have similar travel routes or destinations. By sharing rides, you can split fuel costs, reduce traffic congestion, and enjoy the social aspect of commuting together.
Utilising car-sharing services
Car-sharing services offer on-demand access to vehicles for short-term use, providing a convenient alternative to traditional car ownership, whether it's a weekend getaway or a family outing. Companies like Zipcar, EuropCar and Turo allow users to rent cars by the hour or day, typically through a mobile app. Car-sharing services are ideal for spontaneous trips, errands, or occasions when public transportation or cycling may not be feasible.
Hybrid approaches
Consider adopting a hybrid approach that combines various transportation modes based on your specific needs and circumstances. For example, you might choose to cycle or walk for local trips, use public transportation for longer distances, and reserve car usage for specific situations where alternative options are not feasible.
Park and stride
Park and Stride is a simple idea for families who live far away from their destination to walk the entire distance. The concept entails driving a portion of the way, parking the vehicle, and then embracing the advantages of walking for the remainder of the trip. Alternatively, you can transform this into a 'park and pedal' endeavour by bringing bikes along for the last part of the journey. Find out more here >>
According to data from the RAC Foundation, carpooling can save individuals hundreds to thousands of pounds annually on transportation costs, depending on the distance travelled and the number of passengers.
7. Celebrate the benefits
Finally, take a moment to celebrate the benefits of going car-free. Enjoy the family time, fresh air, exercise, and sense of freedom that comes with cycling. Take pride in the positive impact you and your family are making on the environment and your well-being.
As well as emitting CO2, vehicles are also responsible for other air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides which have significant health consequences. According to the UK Government, transport contributed 32% of the UK’s nitrogen oxides.
Remember, going car-free is a journey, not a destination.
Be patient with yourself as you adjust to this new way of life, and don't be afraid to experiment and adapt along the way. With determination, a sense of adventure, and a trusty Frog bike by your side, you'll discover a world of possibilities beyond the confines of a car.
Happy cycling!
