Tips, tricks and types of bikes for family cycling

When done with care and consideration, cycling can be an enjoyable way for families with different abilities and skill levels to get around together. People cycle for health, wealth, happiness and reliability. 

Lee Illfield is a mum of an eight and 11-year-old. Years ago when she became a single mum, she found cycling was the easiest and most affordable way to carry her children around. She loves not having to pay for parking and how easy it is to duck into the shops.

“It is a way of life. I’ve been a single mom for six years, my only regret is that I didn’t buy my bike sooner. It’s an investment and the bikes hold their value,” she says.

“It’s about community as well. Every time I ride my bike I have at least two more interactions than I would in my car.”

She reminds new riders with kids to not be afraid to use the footpath and be respectful with bell ringing.

“I also say, there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. Make sure you dress in layers and invest in a good raincoat.”

Seema Sanghi is another mum who rides with her family and she said it’s important to plan ahead, especially with little ones. She never rides on the road with her five year old. She always tries to keep an eye out for magpies and remembers that people backing out of their driveways aren’t always thinking about cyclists on the footpath, so she’s particularly careful there. 

Both Seema and Lee stress how important it is to advocate for cycling citizens so that councils can meet demands for local bike paths and good cycling roads. The more people cycling, the better. 

Lyn Patrick owns Metro Cycles bike shop in Newcastle, NSW. She’s been in the bike business for a long time and has quite a few recommendations for first time family cyclists.

Know your skill level

Particularly when riding with little ones, it’s important that you choose a route that matches your skill level. Often on bike maps you’ll find a legend which is graded by ability and safety for less confident cyclists.

Lyn recommends finding an open, quiet flat place like a netball court to make sure your bike skills are in order before you even approach an actual road.

“The analogy that I often use is, you don’t go out and hit the road when you’re learning to drive, you start in a carpark,” she says.

It’s important to make sure your operation of a bike is automated, so, for example, you intuitively know how to hit the brakes, similar to when you drive your car. Take it one skill at a time and repeat it 20 times until it’s automated.

Plan your route

“Maybe even scope it out before,” Lyn says. “That’s important and to do, and also use the council bike maps, rather than choosing the bike option on Google maps. They often send you along main roads.”

If you feel like taking a family or entire group out together, everyone needs to understand the road rules and also make sure, like driving a car, you ride politely and assertively. Be clear when you’re indicating directions and be predictable, follow through.  

Best Bike Buys

Cycling as a family gives you multiple bike buying options. If you have one small child you can usually fit them on the back or front with a proper seat. Kids as young as one year can be on a bike, but each parent makes their own decision as to when the time is right.

For larger families there’s an option of family cargo bikes or long tails. The long tails have actual seats for kids to ride on back whereas cargo bikes (or bike trailers) you just pop your kids in and ride along.

Parents tend to opt for bike trailer for younger kids. Children love it and you can chuck your bags and lunch in the box as well, but if you’re carrying a couple of kids you might consider an electric version.

For very young kids aged approximately 2-5 who want to learn how to cycle, Lyn recommends a balance bike rather than a training wheels bike, as training wheels aren’t as helpful for learning. From there they can move to a pedal bike.

In terms of bicycle accessories, two musts for Lee are a cage to attach your water bottle to the bike, and don’t forget reliable lights as well. 

Know the laws for footpaths and age

• Tasmania: Everyone can legally ride on footpaths
• NSW: Kids 16 and under and their guardians can ride on the footpaths
• Victoria: Kids 12 and under and their guardians can ride on the footpaths
• Queensland: Everyone can legally ride on the footpaths
• WA: Kids 12 and under and their guardians can ride on the footpaths
• NT: Everyone can legally ride on the footpaths
• SA: Everyone can Legally ride on the footpaths
• ACT: Everyone can legally ride on the footpaths

These are the basics for footpath cycling at time of publication, but make sure you check that things are still up-to-date. Also keep in mind laws can change depending on your mode of commute (electric bike, scooter etc.).

We hope you’ve found these stories and tips helpful and have inspired you to travel on two wheels with your family. Make sure to protect your bicycle with the right insurance plan. You can insure all home contents or if you have one particularly special or expensive item you can get single item insurance.

This content is intended to be general in nature and is not financial or professional advice. We recommend you obtain independent professional advice relevant to your circumstances, before making any financial or commercial decisions.