Leisure Lakes: Your Biking Journey Starts Here
You know getting the kids outside and active is important, but sometimes it’s hard to find an activity the whole family enjoys. Well, here’s an idea – bikes! Cycling is a great way to bond and have fun adventures together. The fresh air and exercise do everyone good. In this article, we’ll share tips to introduce your kids to the joy of cycling. You’ll learn how to pick the right bike sizes and models for every age. We’ll also cover must-have safety gear and ideas for family-friendly bike paths and trails. With the help of our sponsors at Leisure Lakes Bikes, you’ll have everything you need to start pedaling your way to shared memories. So let’s hit the road together (safely)! Read on for the two-wheeled guide to family fun.
Family Biking Benefits: Quality Time and Exercise with Leisure Lakes
Nothing brings a family together quite like cycling. When you hop on bikes together, you’re creating opportunities for bonding, adventure, and fitness.
Quality Time
Going for a family bike ride is quality time at its best. You can chat and connect while pedaling side by side, free from distractions. Start with short rides around the neighborhood and build up to longer excursions to nearby parks or bike trails as your kids gain experience and endurance.
Health and Fitness
Cycling provides exercise for both kids and parents, which benefits your health, mood, and energy levels. Studies show kids who exercise regularly tend to have better focus and academic performance. Family bike rides are also a chance for kids to learn healthy habits and skills that will benefit them for life.
Learning and Growth
Riding a bike is a developmental milestone and life skill for children. Helping a child learn to ride boosts their confidence and independence. As their skills progress, kids can tackle more challenging rides, building resilience and grit along the way. Cycling together creates opportunities for teamwork, trust building, and learning how to encourage one another.
Adventure and Excitement
Exploring new bike trails or routes, especially on family cycling holidays, creates excitement and memories that will last for years. Stop for picnics, play at parks along the way, or visit points of interest. Bond over the challenges and rewards of navigating hills, traffic, or obstacles together. Adventure by bike – what could be better?
With benefits for your health, relationships, and enjoyment of life, family cycling is an activity you’ll be glad you invested in. Help your kids discover the joy of riding at an early age, and you’ll have an activity you can share for years to come.
Choosing the Right Kids’ Bikes at Leisure Lakes
Balance Bikes for Toddlers
For tiny tots just learning to ride, balance bikes are perfect. These pedal-free bikes help kids ages 2 to 5 develop coordination and balance before transitioning to a bike with pedals. Leisure Lakes Bikes stocks brands like Strider, Frog, and Early Rider.
12-Inch Bikes for Young Kids
Once your child is comfortable balancing, a 12-inch bike with pedals is ideal for kids 3 to 5 years old. These small bikes, like the Pinnacle Koto 12, allow kids to start pedaling while still having full control and the ability to put their feet down. Training wheels are also an option for extra stability.
16-Inch Bikes for School-Age Kids
For kids around ages 5 to 8, a 16-inch bike is usually the best size. Models like the Pinnacle Ash16 have hand braces for control, but kids will gain confidence pedalling, balancing, and eventually riding with no hands. These mid-size bikes are perfect for cycling paths and adventures.
20-Inch Bikes for Preteens
As kids get closer to age 10, a 20-inch bike will suit them well for years to come. The larger size of bikes like the Frog 52 and Pinnacle Kratos gives them a more grown-up feel but with kid-friendly features like hand braces, kickstands, and multiple gears to build skills. These bigger bikes open up more riding opportunities for kids and families.
With Leisure Lakes Bikes’ wide range of sizes, styles, and brands of kids’ bikes, your whole family will be enjoying the thrill of cycling together in no time.
Safety First: Helmets and Bike Accessories From Leisure Lakes
Helmets for All Ages at Leisure Lakes
The most important safety precaution is helmets for the whole family. Leisure Lakes Bikes offers helmets for riders of all ages, from toddlers to adults. For kids, look for helmets that meet safety certifications for bicycling and that properly fit your child’s head. Helmets should sit level on the head, not tilted back or forward. The chin strap should be snug but still comfortable. Properly fitted helmets can prevent injuries and even save lives.
Protective Gear
Knee and elbow pads, especially for new riders or young kids, can prevent painful scrapes. Padded gloves provide grip and help prevent blisters. Reflective gear like jackets, vests, or ankle bands make riders more visible to vehicles and others.
Bike Accessories from Leisure Lakes
Once you have the essential safety gear, you can consider other useful accessories. A bike bell or horn alerts others to your presence. Bike baskets or panniers provide storage for snacks, toys, or other items. Streamers, tassels, or other bike bling lets kids customize their rides.
Riding together as a family creates opportunities for bonding, travel, adventure, and fitness. With the proper safety precautions and gear in place, cycling can become a hobby your whole family will enjoy for years to come. Leisure Lakes Bikes has all you need to get started and keep riding season after season.
