8 Reasons to Take Your Kids on a Bike Ride

If you’re like many parents, your kids’ bikes might be gathering dust in the garage after the thrill of Christmas wore off. After all, mobilizing everyone to go for a ride can feel like a lot of work — between taking off training wheels, putting on helmets and making sure everyone has a potty break first, you might have a hard time just getting out the door! 

But cycling is good for you and your kids physically, socially and emotionally, and it’s a great way to have fun and get healthier at the same time. Here are eight reasons to take your bikes out for a spin. 

The Benefits of Cycling With Your Kids

Chances are, your little ones will jump at the chance to go for a bike ride. Here’s why you should be just as excited: 

1. Biking Is Great Exercise

Riding a bike leads to better cardiovascular health, lung function and overall stamina. You’ll burn fat and build muscles at the same time. Studies also show that aerobic exercise reduces your risk of preventable diseases.

And it’s not just physical changes you’ll experience — exercise also tends to reduce anxiety and depression, boosting your mood and making it easier to focus. That’s great news for kids who have trouble paying attention or can’t seem to sit still in class. It can also lead to more creative thinking, boosting children’s brain development. 

2. It’s a Fun Bonding Activity

Teaching your kids how to ride a bike is not only a valuable skill, but also a positive way to spend time together. You can see new sights and play games like “I Spy” while you ride. It’s more interactive and engaging than watching TV, and a whole lot more fun than doing homework together. Make cycling part of your daily or weekly routine to get the most benefits from it.

3. It Helps the Planet

It’s no secret that riding a bike is better for the environment than driving. The average gas-powered passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, and that doesn’t even include other air pollutants. A bike, on the other hand, is as green as it gets. 

If you want a faster ride but still want to go green, consider buying an e-bike — short for “electric bike” — to zoom around while still producing no emissions. To charge it, simply plug it into a standard wall outlet when you get home.

4. It Improves Motor Coordination 

Cycling engages the whole body. Having to stay balanced and upright while using your eyes, legs and hands requires a lot of brain and muscle coordination, which is good for children’s physical and mental development. 

5. The Outdoors Is Good for You

Take your kids to a local bike trail or greenbelt in the park. Spending time in nature reduces anxiety and increases feelings of positivity. If it’s sunny out, you’ll get a nice vitamin D boost while experiencing the full benefits of breathing fresh air, and your kids can cultivate a new appreciation for nature in the process. 

As you pass by different plants and animals, encourage your kids to stop their bikes and take photos or draw a picture of each species. If you ride across a bridge, let your kids stop and peer into the water to see if they find tadpoles or interesting pebbles. Your bike rides can turn into educational experiences that foster curiosity. 

6. Cycling Boosts Confidence

Developing a new skill boosts people’s feeling of competence. As you and your children learn to navigate the city, ride over different surfaces or avoid obstacles, you’ll become more confident in your abilities. 

Your kids might be scared of cycling past your neighbor’s big, scary dog the first time, but after riding past it day after day, they’ll become desensitized to the barking. Memorizing the names of streets and stores helps your children learn the layout of your neighborhood, making it easier for them to get around on their own. Burning fat and building muscle will improve your self-confidence as well. 

7. It’s a Great Way to Meet People

Do you know your neighbors? Riding a bike will help you and your kids make friends, especially if you start riding the same route at a consistent time every day. You can even start a bike-riding group with other kids and parents to make new connections.

8. You Can Go Somewhere Fun

Need to make a grocery run? Turn it into a fun trip by riding your bikes there as a family. As a reward, maybe your kids can pick out a treat at the store while you shop. 

Or, ride to the library and let your kids check out their favorite books. Visit a local farm and go berry-picking or take a tour. Ride to the park, water park or even school — cycling makes exercise fun and rewarding, so your kids won’t see it as a chore. 

A Positive Cycle

The more you and your kids ride bikes together, the more you’ll want to ride in the future. This habit teaches your children that exercising and spending time outdoors are rewarding experiences. The feelings of excitement, well-being and relaxation that bike riding promotes are positively addictive! So, strap on your helmets and lace up your shoes — the trails are calling your name.