{"id":10894,"date":"2021-04-28T14:38:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-28T14:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fe.ampler.bike\/?p=10894"},"modified":"2022-08-30T10:24:02","modified_gmt":"2022-08-30T10:24:02","slug":"cycling-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.ampler.bike\/en\/blog\/cycling-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycling with kids has never been easier"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cycling traffic has increased by 16.4%<\/a> over the last ten years according to the United Kingdom Department for Transport. This rise in cyclists is great news for the environment and for avoiding traffic!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many benefits to cycling, both for your commute and in your free time, but we often see more solo bikers than groups or families.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents often worry about being able to carry and transport everything while riding a bicycle. However, thanks to lightweight e-bikes, compatible child seats, and trailers, the two-wheel school run is much more feasible. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hesitant about riding with your kids?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We get it. Living in a fast-paced city, keeping up with work, all while taking care of your kids is a tall order. You may have a solid routine, but ask yourself: does it need to be this stressful? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time spent bumper-to-bumper during an urban commute means taking time away from your family and possibly your health. Depending solely on the car might make your life much more difficult than it needs to be! Switching to cycling, both alone and with your family, is a great way to alleviate a lot of unneeded stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concerns when cycling with children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It can be overwhelming exploring all the attachments available. Of course, safety comes first so it’s time-consuming researching the best options. There’s also the worry of how to attach it properly to your bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another issue many have is the ability to ride with attachments. Some worry about weight and balance issues with trailers and child seats. It can feel different towing something behind you through traffic and bike lanes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, parents are anxious about towing their children as it may be hard to keep an eye on them. Whether it’s simply turning around while concentrating on the road or being able to hear your children in noisy traffic, it can be a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, there are some quick and simple ways to make cycling with your children an easy and enjoyable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Riding safely with the kids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Due to the increased popularity of cycling, the technology behind it has greatly improved. Bikes have been upgraded over the years to make towing extra weight far safer and hassle-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bikes have become more lightweight and include many gears and speed options, allowing for easy mobility and assisted riding. Our lightweight\u00a0Ampler e-bikes<\/a>\u00a0are fully compatible with the necessary equipment and the motor assistance means pulling that extra weight is no problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many bike trailers are as adaptable as our e-bikes. In many cases, a simple attachment either to the rear axle or even the saddle is all that’s needed. Then it’s just a matter of connecting the trailer arm and securing it. Any modern trailer will have an easy step-by-step guide. Usually, it’s purposefully simplistic as they are designed to be quickly attachable and detachable to double as prams after you’ve parked the bike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re worried about being able to keep an eye on your children then child seats are another option. Having your child directly behind you makes checking on them easier. You can also add bike mirrors, which are also effective for bike trailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a parent, you\u2019ll always worry about your child’s safety, but doing some practice runs with the seat or trailer will help you prepare. Get used to the added weight and balance by doing the route a few times without your children. You\u2019ll be a pro in no time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A cyclist in the making<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of riding with kids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The advantages of cycling as an urban parent are numerous. Commuting by bike helps you get some exercise in during the workday, avoid traffic, all while saving money. The extra exercise and savings will no doubt improve your mental health too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefits don\u2019t just end with you. Use that extra time and money you saved on your daily commute and put it towards quality time with the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting fresh air<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Riding a bike at an early age will give your child a lifetime of advantages. As infants and toddlers, their experience will be limited to the child seat. However, this can be much better than sitting in the car as they’ll get fresh air and exposure to nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has been proven that\u00a0time spent in nature benefits<\/a>\u00a0mental and physical health, even if your child falls asleep during the ride. In an urban environment, riding through parks and seeing some trees can greatly improve their mood and stimulate their mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embrace your surroundings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Locked up in a car all day, encased in windows, and speeding through the streets can have you feeling physically and mentally removed. We often go from home to car, to indoors, without considering what we’re missing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cycling through your neighbourhood helps you to slow down, take in your surroundings, and gives you an opportunity to say hello to your neighbours. Children benefit from socialization as it helps them connect with their environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much-needed family time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Riding with your kids is a great way to fit in some quality time that you otherwise might miss out on because of work and errands. It\u2019s a fun activity that can help you bond with your children while enjoying all the benefits of cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, cycling also helps save money that you can put towards the family. That extra change you saved on petrol can go towards a nice holiday or lessen any financial burdens that are stopping you from enjoying free time with family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bikepacking holidays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All-inclusive trips to distant places can be luxurious and tempting, but they’re usually expensive and hurtful to the environment. It can also be hard to find time off of work for these big trips and difficult when air-travelling with small children. Bikepacking is a growing concept that is rising in popularity. It’s perfect for busy parents with young children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bikepacking is when you take a trip that is centred around cycling. It can include anything from an easy ride to a difficult all-terrain tour. You can use your child seat and bike trailers to bring your children and luggage, all while saving petrol and enjoying the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a lot of great resources for bikepacking<\/a> to get you started. Take that weekend trip to the lake or explore that campground you\u2019ve been curious about. Do it all while staying on budget and being in control of the itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the quiet you need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are you struggling to get your children to settle down so you can get work or the chores done? Sometimes, kids just need some fresh air and a relaxing ride to doze off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can\u2019t get them to take a nap or calm down, riding with your kids can have the same effect as a long car ride. Try taking them for a gentle cycle to let them doze off. Combine it with some errands as they can stay sleeping in the trailer, which as mentioned, usually doubles as a pram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cycling creates healthy habits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When they are young, you\u2019ll be towing your children along in a bike seat or trailer. If you make cycling with your kids a regular part of life, it will become a habit that will stay with them as they get older. For most children, once they have their own bike it’s something they’ll enjoy for years to come. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cycling is a great form of exercise that will benefit other areas of their life. Your children will get a healthy amount of exercise if they continue to cycle, both with their parents and their friends. It can also stimulate brain growth and help with their education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giving your children a healthy habit like cycling is a great way to improve their development and aid them in their physical and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sustainability education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We all want to care for our environment, but sometimes we can feel like there aren’t enough alternatives when it comes to travelling. Bikes are by no means a new technology. The concept of cycling is already widely accepted and made safer every day with new laws and urban planning. Cycling is an effective way to improve the environment and instils sustainability values<\/a> in our children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making bikes a part of our lifestyle can help us pass down habits that are great for our environment and leave the world a better place for generations to come. When we treat cycling as a normal alternative to driving, we can use it as an opportunity to teach our children about the environment and how to care for our planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Improve your day-to-day the Ampler way<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Light e-bikes and child attachments<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re ready to start riding with the kids, it\u2019s easy to get started. Begin with finding the right bike and attachments that suits you. With Ampler bikes, there are three bike options in particular that are compatible with many different seats and trailers. Check out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n