With the weather warming up, many of us are spending more and more time outdoors and travelling around Britain in search of adventure. This bank holiday is the perfect time to explore a little deeper, and hiring bikes is the perfect way to explore London and beyond with the whole family. But when you’re out and about with little ones, it’s more crucial than ever that you stay safe when cycling.
In today’s guest post, PreciousLittleOne offers some advice for cycling with young ones this summer - making sure you and your children stay safe and make the most of the season.
Summer fun
The wait for the warmer weather is finally over - and the school holidays won’t be far behind. Planning an action-packed itinerary to keep your children occupied during the summer break can be challenging, but as long as the sun is shining, London is your oyster!
With outdoor events and parks aplenty, the capital comes to life during the summer months. Of course, you can explore the city by foot - but if you want to pack as much as possible into your break, there are a number of transport options available:
● London by bus - whether you’re a tourist or a local Londoner, take in the sights on one of the iconic open-top buses
● London by tube - the tube might seem daunting at first, but with its multicoloured networking system, it won’t be long before you and your family are hopping on and off the underground with ease
● London by water - for the ultimate sightseeing adventure, hit the Thames and view London from the water
● London by bike – just get yourself down to Gabriel’s Wharf by London’s Southbank to rent a bike from the London Bicycle Tour Co.
Safety first
Children’s bikes are often fitted with stabilisers, and if you’re planning on cycling during peak periods, make sure your little ones feel comfortable on their bike first. If your children are a little older and you’re planning on a lengthy ride around London, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re all clued up on the rules of the road beforehand. Top things to remember include:
● Helmet - set an example to your young ones by making sure you always wear a helmet and don’t let your child leave home without one. LBTC has a range of helmets that come FREE when you hire a bike.
● Lights - make sure yours and your children’s bikes are fitted with lights. You might not set out to ride in the dark, but days out can often turn into longer trips and it’s better to be prepared. Every time you hire a bike with LBTC, lights come included!
● Bright clothing - even if you’re cycling during the day, it’s a good idea to wear bright clothing so that other people can see you coming
● Bicycle bells - small children can often lose control of their bikes and a bell will alert pedestrians and animals if they suddenly veer off course. This is also a great way for them to grab your attention if they begin to fall behind or feel unsteady on their bike. LBTC has a range of groovy bike bells for sale in their shop so be sure to swing by and check them out.
● Safety locks - carry a lock for both yours and your child’s bike and make sure you lock them up in a safe area. When you rent a bike from LBTC, a sturdy lock comes included in the price.
Cycling in the city
Bikes are available to hire every day of the week and in all different sizes so you needn’t worry if you don’t have your own! From tandem bikes to those fitted with child seats, there’s a cycling option to suit every family. Once you’ve picked up your wheels, you can navigate your way around the city with ease - exploring an array of fascinating routes that can avoid main roads. The London Bicycle Tour Company also has a great range of guided tours around various parts of London, avoiding main roads and sticking to cycle paths as much as possible. If your little ones are under 10 years old you can arrange a private, bespoke tour to take you along the safest routes to the best parts of London.
If you fancy some fresh air, the capital is home to several beautiful parks - but not all are accessible by bike. The following parks allow cycling to some degree, but be sure to check when you enter the park to find out where you can and can’t ride.
● The Regent's Park
● Hyde Park
● Richmond Park
● Greenwich Park
● The Green Park
● St James's Park
● Kensington Gardens
● Bushy Park
If you’re planning on enjoying the great outdoors with your young ones this summer, make sure you’ve brushed up on your bicycle safety and are prepared for the hustle and bustle of London life. Remember, pedestrians have priority and always stick to designated cycle paths to ensure everyone stays safe.