Bicycling: A Great Family Activity

With the focus of most people's thoughts on ways to save money and still enjoy life, why not start some new family routines that will also benefit everyone's health? Bicycling has long been enjoyed by children and adults alike. It also offers great benefits to your body. Burn off the calories and have fun with the family this summer by enjoying this sport.

Initially, bicycles will have to be purchased. You should also invest in safety gear such as helmets. Many states have laws in effect requiring bicycle helmets to be worn and it is a good habit to teach your smaller children. Helmets can prevent severe head injuries should an accident occur. Bicycles can be bought at most retail stores or you can save money and check your local newspaper, craigslist, and yard sales. When buying a used bicycle, check the tires. Also check the bike chains and if possible do test runs on the bicycle, the same as you would when buying a used car. Know what you are looking at for repair costs, if the bicycle is a steal but needs a new chain, have an idea what a chain is going to cost at a local bicycle repair shop or retail store if you can replace this yourself.

Once you have your bicycle purchased, begin planning your family outing. Before you hit the road with the family on the bicycle, go over basic safety rules. Discuss them openly as a family. The following list is a good guide to the basics:

Obey the same rules on the bicycle as if you were operating a vehicle. Stop at appropriate signs. Use your hand signals when making turns.

Ride on the right side of the road.

Ride single file when on roads and highways. As a family it is a good idea to have one parent lead with another bringing up the rear, this way you can guide your children as well as insure they are following the proper rules.

Use caution in parking lots and around parked cars, you are not as visible on the bicycle to those pulling out. If you are planning to ride around traffic, it is a good idea to invest in a bike horn. This is not very loud but may help you avoid unnecessary problems.

Keep your hands on the handlebars, unless you are using them to signal traffic to your intentions.

These are just some basic rules. Know the laws in your state and go over those rules with your children as well.

Once you have the rules clearly in place, plan your family outing. Bicycles can be enjoyed in the evenings after work by riding around the neighborhood or at a local park. They can also be utilized on the weekends by planning a trip to a local trail. Look for interesting trails in your city or state. In Missouri, the Katy Trail is extremely popular with bicyclists. In addition, many state parks offer nice trails to use for bicycling. Pick a spot that you feel comfortable with. If you feel like your children are not quite road ready, but you still want to take them out on the bicycles, choose a trail where they can learn to ride the bicycle perhaps without the fear of other vehicles.

With the focus on budgets, money, and the state of the economy this is the perfect time to begin looking at things like bicycling for family enjoyment. It will create a fun, memorable experience with little to no cost each outing. Many bicycles offer car seats or buyable attachments for younger children, in addition you can add a basket or tie down a basket and picnic while out on the trails. You can also use the natural scenery to learn about plants. Enjoy nature, get some exercise, and create some family memories with bicycling!