Tips for Biking with Kids

Family Biking Basics

Biking with your kiddos is a great family activity to do together. We’ve got a few simple tips to help you successfully go on bike rides with your kids!

Check out this video – coming straight from a Kid that LOVES biking with her dad (who happens to also be an ERIK’S staffer!)

Ready to get riding? Let’s recap the key things you’ll need to make biking with your kids a great experience:

1. Pack Hydration and Lots of Snacks

Biking requires a good amount of exertion. It’s always a great idea for each family member to have their own water bottle and/or hydration pack as well as extra energy bars to keep everyone fueled up.

2. Dress in Layers

Make sure everyone bundles up in layers so they are comfortable at the start of the ride, but can easily remove layers as they warm up from pedaling. Consider bringing a bike bag to hold anything not being worn or used.

3. Wear a Helmet

Make this non-negotiable with your kids and be sure to wear one yourself! Keep your noggins safe!

Kids riding hotwalk carbon balance bike

4. Lights On

Even if you’re riding during the daytime, lights are still a good idea. They’ll increase your family’s visibility making sure no one goes unnoticed by the cars passing by.

5. Be Prepared

You may also want to bring bike locks if you plan to stop at a cafe or store while you’re out. It’s not a bad idea to have simple tools and a few spare tubes on hand to take care of any surprise flats too. Ooh, and don’t forget the bike horns and bells! They provide added safety allowing you to alert other bikers and/or cars of your presence and there are some fun ones that kids love sporting on their bikes.

6. Keep the Distances Manageable

Start out with shorter rides and go a little further each time to build up your family’s stamina. 

Mom and kid bike riding on gravel

7. Pick Fun Stops

It’s a lot more fun to have a destination. These days this might be a little harder so maybe you find a fun landmark. Or call ahead to find out if your ice cream shop is doing takeout.

8. Capture the Moment

You should have your phone with you. Make sure to take a few pictures of your adventures. Tag @eriksbikeboardski to share your journey with us.

9. Most Importantly, Have Fun!

Your kids are more likely to get excited about the next adventure if they enjoyed the last one, and so are you!

Dad and two kids biking together

Need to buy a bike for your kid?

If your little one needs a new bike, we’re stocked. Learn how to determine which size of bike your child needs here as well as other helpful information to help you choose the best bike for your kid. Our customer service team is always available to help answer any questions you have too. Or, just swing into your local ERIK’S with your kid to test-ride a few bikes to find the one that’s perfect for them.