It's a lovely sunny day and you fancy a bike ride with the family. Family cycle rides are great fun for all, especially the kids. But you have to approach them with the correct attitude.
First and foremost it is a family ride and therefore the family should ride as a reasonably close group. How many families have you seen, Dad up front, Mum doing her tailgunner impersonation and the kids, probably one of the main reasons for the ride, somewhere in between "doing their own thing".
Secondly, it is not a race and all the group should always ride at, or near, the pace of the slowest/weakest rider. Adults should remember that their go-faster bike with large wheels and a multitude of gears can go much faster, much more easily, than little Emily on her bike with small wheels, ONE GEAR, Barbie bell and basket.
Thirdly, be prepared. Plan where you are going. Be reasonably certain how far it is
and possibly how long it will take. Make sure all the family can cope with the distance - you don't want to spend the latter part of the ride carrying a very tired youngster and a bike. Also plan to make regular stops - feeding the ducks, or the horses, are ideal excuses - or - just stop and look at the scenery.
Cycling with kids can be a real pleasure but it is also a responsibility - you are responsible for both their safety and their enjoyment. Achieve both and you'll probably have a great time also.
At one time all members of the family needed their own bike. Now things have changed. You can now have virtually any child carrying machine you want in almost any configuration. There are now astonishingly good lightweight trailers for the under fours: trailers which double as load carriers for bringing home the shopping.
