Cycling with children: the benefits of a family bike ride

There’s nothing better than getting to hang out together as a family, away from all those daily distractions like work and screens. Heading out on a bike ride is a lovely way to connect as you share the ups and downs of an adventure together. 

On a gentle route, it’s easy to chat and watch the world go by whilst you pedal. On a challenging route, the shared satisfaction of completing your ride will have you all grinning from ear to ear. A little extra quality time can bring about positive changes in families, as you learn to understand each other better, communicate more and, most importantly, have fun together.

Cycling is fun. You probably didn’t need us to tell you that. But introducing the idea of exercising for pleasure (rather than as some kind of obligation) early on in life can be hugely beneficial for children’s quality of life as they grow up.

Finding a sport they love will bring about all the health benefits of being active without them even noticing they’re working hard – they’ll be too busy having fun! We love throwing in a few races, scavenger hunts and snack stops to keep things engaging and fun. And remember to keep rides short, throw in lots of positive praise and let the slowest rider set the pace while their confidence grows.

Few sports bring about such a rush of feeling as cycling does. That giddy buzz when you’re pedalling down a hill, the wind in your face, the world hurtling by, feeling as if you just might fly? We all need to feel that free once in a while. What better childhood memories could you give to your kids?

Learning to ride a bike will also give your children more freedom as they become teenagers. When you’re not quite old enough to drive but keen to be independent, being able to get around on two wheels is a real bonus.

With so much focus on climate change lately, we’re all keen to do our bit for the planet. And whether you’re biking the kids to school or enjoying a green weekend activity, cycling has very little negative impact on the environment.

Riding a bike is the most eco-friendly way to travel, reducing your carbon footprint as well as air pollution. And as long as you stick to designated trails and pass on or sell your old bikes rather than taking them to the tip, you can feel pretty good about your choices. It’s also a great way to start up a conversation with your children about making positive choices for the environment, although you might well find them schooling you!

Cycling is a fantastic low-impact workout. A bike ride will use all the major muscle groups and get your heart rate up, without straining your joints. That can be an important factor when trying to find a family sport that all ages can enjoy.

Building your children’s strength and stamina through biking not only improves their health, but it’ll also mean they’re more likely to enjoy other sports as well.

Having good coordination and balance is a key skill for children. Whether it enables them to have a go at a wide range of sports or simply move effectively in day-to-day life, riding a bike is beneficial for kids with a wide range of motor abilities.

Exercising together in the fresh air is one of our favourite things about family bike rides. The gym’s all well and good but spending time in nature is infinitely more memorable. Not to mention you’ll all get a healthy dose of vitamin D, which boosts mood, energy and self-esteem.  

Stress can negatively impact people of all ages, so your entire family can benefit from the stress relief that cycling brings. Disconnecting from all that pressure – even just for a couple of hours – and releasing those pent-up frustrations on your pedals instead of each other can only be a good thing!

Tackling challenges along the way with a positive attitude helps kids build resilience that spills over into all aspects of their lives, while studies have also shown that riding a bike helps kids feel more confident, more alert and even learn better at school.

Joining us at one of our beachclubs this summer?  Our cycle team have mapped out loads of great local rides for you. As long as our bikes fit safely, children can explore the cycling routes from every single one of beachclubs with you, while younger kids can practise their skills on a Frog bike within the grounds of our Airone, Baia dei Mori and Messini Beachclubs. And the friendly Neilson bike crew are always on hand to help out and offer useful tips.