Family Cycling Adventures: How to Stay Safe on the Road This Summer

There’s nothing quite like a family bicycle ride to bring everyone together and make the most of long summer days. Gliding along on two wheels, wind in your hair, surrounded by loved ones – it’s a simple pleasure that builds lasting memories and the summer school holidays are the perfect opportunity to start a new family cycling tradition.

Spending time together outdoors provides a welcome break from hectic schedules and before you know it, the miles have passed you by. Even grumpy teenagers may surprise you by cracking a smile!

Summer weather invites you to venture farther afield without the risk of being caught in a downpour. A bike ride to the park or ice cream shop becomes an adventure, while leisurely cycles along riversides and coastal paths create memories. Calmly passing along bike trails and quiet lanes at your own pace gives you and your family time to appreciate nature’s beauty.

So gather the kids and make this summer one to remember as cycling is an activity the whole family can enjoy together. And importantly, a little preparation and know-how ensures you can head out on safe, fun rides all holiday long.

Family Cycling Adventures – Choosing Safe Routes

Planning your route is key to an enjoyable family bike ride. It’s best to stick to protected cycling infrastructure like dedicated bike lanes, trails and traffic-free paths. Do some research ahead of time using bike lane maps, trail finder tools and council websites to identify suitable options.

There are great cycling resources for many UK towns and cities that highlight recommended routes. Look for routes with continuous bike lanes, trails or low traffic backroads. Roads marked as national cycling routes tend to be well suited to family cycling too. Steer clear of busy main roads and dual carriageways if possible.

For unfamiliar areas, it’s wise to test ride a potential route as a family before a big outing. Check it feels comfortable and safe for the cycling abilities of all family members. Riding the route together in advance also lets kids learn any tricky junctions, and gets them excited for the main trip.

Bike safety gear

Ensuring you have appropriate safety gear is essential for family cycling. Helmets are a must for every rider – adult and child alike. Make sure everyone’s helmet fits properly and sits level on the head. Many bike shops offer helmet fitting services. Proper equipment safeguards your family in the unlikely event of a fall or collision.

Bright coloured clothing helps make cyclists visible to other road users. Look for tops and jackets with reflective strips or panels. Cycling-specific hi-vis vests are a great option too. Add reflectors to bikes and helmets. Bike lights are legally required after dark, but are handy safety items at other times too. A flashing LED rear light and white front light improve cyclists’ visibility.

Attach bell units for clear audible signalling. Do regular checks that seats, handlebars etc are adjusted to suit each rider. Make sure the tyres are pumped up for each trip. Well-maintained bikes are safer and more enjoyable to ride.

Family Cycling Adventures: Rules of the Road

It’s important to teach children some key cycling road behaviours and rules before heading out together. Start by ensuring everyone knows hand signals for turning and stopping. Practise looking behind for traffic, signalling clearly and performing shoulder checks.

On the road, cyclists must follow traffic signs, signals, and laws just like drivers. Reinforce the need to stop fully at red lights and give way where required. Ride in single file when vehicles are around. Allow space for cars to overtake where it’s safe to do so.

Remind kids not to weave in and out of parked cars where there is a greater chance of a vehicle door opening in their path. This is known as dooring. Alert others with a bell when passing pedestrians on shared use paths. Dismount and walk bikes across major junctions. Staying alert and following the rules means everyone can enjoy summer cycle adventures.

Overview of UK Highway Code changes

An important revision to the Highway Code came into effect in 2022, which all road users should be aware of. It establishes a new hierarchy of road users based on those most at risk in the event of a collision. At the top of the hierarchy are pedestrians, particularly children, older adults and disabled people.

Cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles are next, followed by motorcyclists and cars/taxis. Those road users highest up the hierarchy require the most protection. Drivers of large vehicles now have a greater responsibility to reduce danger to more vulnerable groups like pedestrians and cyclists.

One key change is that drivers need to allow a minimum of 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds under 30mph. This helps protect cyclists from close passing. Overall, the updates aim to promote better awareness of walkers, cyclists and horse riders on our roads.

Fun family rides

One of the joys of family cycling is exploring your local area by bike and discovering new places. Start by identifying loops and circuits at nearby parks, along greenways or canal towpaths. Traffic-free rail trails are ideal for younger kids. Coastal paths provide glorious summer cycling, so head to the beach or lakeside. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the end.

Heading inland, many riverfront routes cater well for cyclists. Stop for ice creams after a ride along the riverbank. Events and learning opportunities like museums, fairs and festivals often take place during summer holidays. Cycling is a fun way to get there and kids will love the adventure of journeying to an event by bike.

Look at routes to nearby villages or beauty spots that can be comfortably cycled as a family. Extend your range and see new places up close from the saddles of your bikes. Stop somewhere nice for a refreshing snack or picnic. With a little creativity, the possibilities for family bike rides from your doorstep are endless. Spending time adventuring and chatting as you pedal makes memories to cherish.

Ready, set, go!

With proper preparation and safety precautions, summertime opens a world of cycling fun for families. From bike rides to the park to coastal path adventures, enjoy making memories together this holiday. Wherever your wheels take you, relish those special moments bonding, exploring and smiling side-by-side.