We’re sure that you remember learning how to ride your bike for the first time, and now the time has come for you to be the teacher. Before showing them the ways of the bicycle, it’s vital that you ensure they’re safe on their cycling adventures.
In this blog, we’re focusing on 5 tips for keeping your child safe on their first bike. As well as making it safer for them, it’ll also make the process a little less stressful for you.
1. Bike Sizing
The first and most important step to ensuring your child’s safety is finding them the right bike. Don’t buy a bike expecting your child to ‘fit into it’. Ask for help from one of our in-store experts or check out our guide on ‘How to choose the right bike for your child’.
In short, a bicycle is suitable when your child can sit comfortably on the seat, their feet reach the ground, and the handlebars are no higher than their shoulders. You should also consider foot brakes as well as hand brakes to give your child even more protection. Read on to learn more about the correct options for you.
2. Bike options
Your child doesn’t have to go to a bike straight away – we have other bike models on offer that can help develop their confidence on two wheels.
Balance bikes are beneficial for toddlers in developing their coordination and confidence skills. These are very good starters, as it makes it a whole lot easier for your child to progress to a bike since they have developed their balance already.
Tricycle
Great for boosting children’s independence, and for people with disabilities. They are more stable than a standard bike, with the frame closer to the ground, making gathering momentum much easier.
Training wheels
We advise keeping stabilisers on for as long as it takes your child to feel comfortable when riding their bike. This will take time so be patient!
3. Brakes
One of the most important parts of learning to ride a bike is when and how to use the brakes. Our range of kids’ bikes come with brakes that are specially designed for their smaller hands. Here is a breakdown of the types of brakes we offer for children learning on their first bike:
Coaster brakes
Also known as back-pedal brakes or foot brakes, coaster brakes are on most kids’ bikes. They are simple in design and require zero maintenance. However, when they’re removed, they cannot be replaced.
Coaster brakes are most suitable when your child:
Is familiar with coaster brakes from previous bikes.
Has a disability that will make hand brakes difficult to use.
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Hand brakes
Much like what is on a standard adults’ bike, they’re useful when your child:
Has proven coordination skills, strength and confidence when riding a bike.
Have used hand brakes with a previous balance bike and are confident enough to use with their first pedal bike.
Is confident when pedalling and looking to progress.
Whatever the final verdict, make sure your child is comfortable with braking before they take to the road.
4. Rules of the road
Before any trip out, check your child knows the rules of the road and ensure your child is accompanied by a family member. This can bring many further benefits to help your child fall in love with the outdoors. Want to explore more? Click here for some great ideas for cycling with your kids.
You should also ensure all bikes are well-maintained before hitting the road to avoid any accidents or embarrassing calls to friends and family!
5. Equipment
Lastly, but certainly not least, consider the other equipment your child needs.
These are important in helping your child gain confidence before going onto 2 wheels. Plenty of our kids’ bikes come pre-equipped with these, but you can also buy them individually should your kid need a pair.
If they’re still a bit uneasy but are ready to progress from stabilisers, then a parent handle could be a good option. This gives you a bit more control of their cycling efforts without stabilisers supporting them constantly. Parent handles provide a good balance of support and independence that are sure to help your child develop their confidence.
A child should never be without head protection when riding a bike. Ensure that the helmet selected fits their head correctly, as one which is loose or in the wrong position won’t provide all the benefits a helmet gives.
Hi-vis vests are a good idea to equip your child with, especially if your child is beginning to ride on the main road. Make sure they’re visible to all road users, as this will help in preventing any accidents which could potentially occur.
In case they need to make themselves aware of to other road users, like on a busy road, then investing in a bell and horn could be a good idea. We have quite a range, some being more practical and others more playful, but nonetheless do a good job.
You can always trust our in-store team to offer you advice or alternatively, take a look at Cycling UK for a complete list of bike riding essentials. You can also search through our vast array of equipment across our website and in-store.
Hopefully you’re now feeling confident to take the leap on your child’s new adventure with a brand new boys’ or girls’ bike. Our team are more than happy to provide additional advice to meet your needs. Let their cycling journey begin!
This year, Cycle King & Hawk Cycles launched our first ever TV advert, which was featured on SkyTV. It’s all about getting out on a cycling adventure with your “mini me” or family member this summer. Watch below:
Is your child your ‘mini me’ ?
Do you think of your kids like a little version of you? Do they copy your every move? Dress the same and constantly look up to you? Take a look at our recent ad for #minime inspiration.
We would love to see what you and your #minime get up to this summer, so be sure to tag @cyclekinguk in your Facebook and Instagram posts and use the hashtag #minime.
Take a look at some of our matching kids and adult bikes to get Mini-me ready:
This bike comes in a variety of sizes (from 16 inch to 23-inch frames) which makes it a great mini me bike. In the ad, our cool mountain biking Grandad and Granddaughter were having all the fun in the world, covered in mud, and so could your family. For a similar kid’s bike,
This fabulous Mum and daughter duo were riding this bike with style. A Classique bike is perfect for a leisurely ride through the park and has a convenient front basket, perfect for putting a picnic in if you fancy it. Available in an 16″ or 19″ frame, suitable for teenagers and adults.
Summer Cycling Adventures
Summer is officially here, and we’re all for going outdoors with the family. Whether you’ve managed to get lots of plans booked in or still doing your ‘fun activities to do during the summer holidays’ research, we’ve got you covered. At Cycle King & Hawk Cycles, we’ve got a few points to cover on why you should enjoy a summer adventure – so let’s delve straight into it.
Children love the outdoors
Cast your mind back to when you were little; all the fun times you had on your bike. Whilst children of this generation have a lot more screen time, they still love to cycle around and breathe fresh air. Especially since lockdown, we’ve come to appreciate the freedom of going out, and so have the kids. Instead of another summer of being cooped up, a fantastic change of pace may consist of taking the family on a bike ride adventure this summer.
Benefits of a family bike ride
With the lovely weather we are fortunate to have had recently, it’s always worth stepping outdoors to enjoy it. Taking the family out on an epic bike adventure is sure to be a day to remember (and maybe even a highlight of the kids’ summer holiday). Not only is it really fun, but a big family bike ride is also great for a whole host of health reasons.
Go somewhere new and experience something different
A switch of scenery from what your children are used to can be highly beneficial to understand the world around them. And for adults, it’s also nice to go out and experience something out of the ordinary.
Quality time spent together
Whilst cycling through muddy paths or picturesque countryside, the time you all spend having fun is sure to make you grow stronger bonds. Having a bit more quality time is sure to put a smile on the children’s’ faces and ultimately give them some good times to remember.
Build up your child’s confidence
Finally, whether they’ve just come off training wheels or are getting the hang of it, taking your kids out on a ride is a definite way of improving their abilities. The more time spent riding the better, as their experiences of cycling will help them evolve into well-traversed cyclists.
If you and your kids are daredevils, then perhaps some time at the skatepark is more your thing. If you’re anything like our Grandma and Grandson on their BMXs, then you’ll need some extra protection. These helmets and pads are a great way of reducing the chances of bumps and bruises.
To celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne and in memory of this special Jubilee weekend, we have compiled 70 great cycling routes from your suggestions. We would love to see your photos of your cycling adventures on social media, so don’t forget to tag us! (@cyclekinguk)
As we’re sure you know, it’s the Queen’s Jubilee, celebrating 70 years on the throne. She has seen so many changes in the world, and bikes are no exception.
The Cruiser – a classic of the 50’s and 60’s
The Cruiser was developed way back in 1930’s USA but gained its popularity in the 50’s and 60’s. The bicycle had a stable steel frame, single speed mechanicals and balloon tires. It was a product unlike any other, being an adaption of the cruiser motorbikes from WW2. The product came with a faux petrol tank and a battery powered headlight that defined the look of this classic. However, as time progressed, bikes started to become far lighter, meaning that the market shifted to cyclists preferring the European inspired racing bikes. This unfortunately led to the cruisers eventual decline in sales.
Choppers, BMX and Mountain Bikes, the thrills of the 70s & 80s
As new build techniques improved, the demand for a new bike interpretation of a classic motorcycle, the Chopper arose. Created as a kid’s bike, the most notable features of the bike were its banana seat (that made carrying passengers and doing wheelies easier) and the ape hanger handlebars. The Raleigh Chopper was one of the best-selling children’s bikes in the UK and the model is considered a classic amongst collectors and in the childhood memories of many.
The BMX was also inspired by a motorbike. Developed from motocross bikes, they began their life in the 70’s but really exploded into popularity, especially in the UK, in the 80’s where they became the must have for all kids and teenagers. They’re still rather popular today, with riders of all ages choosing this classic bike.
Next up came the Mountain Bike, born from the realisation that off-road cycling was a struggle, especially for riding down rugged hillsides. A hybrid of the BMX and a road bike was needed. Old Cruisers were modified by riders for off-road terrains as their balloon tires were readily available and could endure a lot, and their heavy and sturdy steel frame came in use for slamming against rocks and but were too heavy in mud. So, through the 70’s and 80’s companies started to develop bikes that were fit for the off-road experience. These bikes were far lighter and used durable materials like aluminium. Much like the BMX,Mountain Bikes are a popular choice for both children and adults and have definitely stood the test of time.
The concept of electric bikes dates back to the late 19th century but it wasn’t until the now that battery technology has been sufficiently advanced to really enable these bikes to take off. Bikes have come on leaps and bounds and there are now many model types and battery sizes suitable for any type of rider, this bike is a fantastic way to get around and makes cycling accessible to a wider age range. To round off our 70 years of bikes all together, take a look at this electric Cruiser-style bike, now that faux tank isn’t so faux anymore!
If you’re interested in any of our BMX’s, Mountain Bikes or Electric Bikes, take a look at our huge range and even save yourself some money on our selected Jubilee offers.
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Enter our Jubilee competition!
We’re celebrating in style! Be in with the chance of winning a stylish new bike or a £70 giftcard. Head to our Instagram or Facebook to enter today!
Terms and Conditions:
The competition will end on Wednesday 1st June at 2pm. The winners for each weekly prize will be announced on Saturday 4th June 2022 on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
Eligibility: Employees of Cycle King or those associated with the operation or promotion of the competition are ineligible to enter. Any such entries are invalid. For delivery of the prize, you will be required to be available at a specified time and place.
Entry: Entrants must like, comment and follow @cyclekinguk on the associated social media platform (Instagram or Facebook). Entrants may enter as many times as they wish by tagging multiple accounts.
The prize: Each entrant is limited to winning one prize per competition. The prize is subject to availability and to winner confirmation. The Promoter will not deliver the prize to any address outside of mainland UK.
The first selected winner will win a Snob Halo. The second will win a Bridgford bike. The third selected will win an Ammaco Axis and then fourth will win a £70 giftcard. No cash alternative will be provided and any prizes are non-transferable and non-exchangeable.
If for any reason the winner chooses not to take up the prize or any part of the prize, the promoter reserves the right to ask the winner to confirm this in writing and, whether or not such confirmation is received, the promoter will be able to retain or dispose of the prize (or part of the prize) at its own discretion.
The Promoter will endravour to deliver the prize to the winner within fourteen (14) working days from the date of winner confirmation. The prize will only be posted to a UK mainland address directly associated with the winner, the Promoter does not accept liability in the instance that the address given by the winner is incorrect or changed.
Winner selection:
Unless stated otherwise in the interaction information, the winner will be randomly selected, and subject to eligibility and winner confirmation (and, for competitions where entrants are required to provide information, providing such information correctly).
The winners will be contacted as soon as practicable on or after the competition date. The winners will be contacted by the Promoter either via direct message or a reply to their post on social media, depending on which platform they entered on. Once the winner has been contacted, they must send a direct message to The Promoter to receive their prize. The Promoter will try to contact the winner over a 4-week period.
If the winners cannot be contacted or successful contact is not made within the time periods set out this may result in forfeiture of the prize and the Promoter reserves the right to disqualify that entrant (without further liability to that entrant) and offer the prize to the next eligible entrant and thereafter until a winner is found.
Contact Details and Further Information:
If you have a comment, query or complaint about the Promotion you may register it by phone on 01223 214999. You will need to provide some or all of the following information:
(a) Your name
(b) Your email address
(c) The IP address of your computer
(d) If possible, your internet service provider
(e) The date(s) and time(s) when you experienced problems
(f) The nature of the problem you experienced
(g) A contact telephone number you can be reached on, if necessary
Queries will be addressed as soon as possible.
If you require any information to be provided in an alternative format for accessibility reasons, we will be happy to discuss your requirements and endeavour to provide a suitable alternative.
E-bikes are a good way of keeping in shape and are really good fun. At Cycle King, we understand our large variety to choose from can be a bit daunting for a first-time buyer – but fear not, we have compiled a quick guide to help you get the right one for your needs. Take a look at what your shiny new E-bike could look like today.
Benefits of an E-bike Longer rides
A fully charged battery enables you to ride on far longer, thanks to motor assistance. The added assistance makes a huge difference to those who don’t have as much mobility today as the days they were on training wheels.
Alternative transport
Instead of going out in the car, taking your E-bike means not only a saving in cost but also a way to reduce your impact on the environment. We find that people enjoy taking in the scenery on their way to the shop on an E-bike, something that’s quite hard to appreciate on a cramped bus or train.
Which Electric Bike is suitable for you?
First thing you should know is that there isn’t just one kind of E-bike. Here are several brands and models we recommend.
Lectro
Lectro offer a few variations of E-bikes that suit any rider.The Suburban, fantastic for commuting, the Adventurer, perfect for exploring country roads, and the Summit, designed with mountain biking in mind. With their lower price point, they make very good entry level E-bike.
Ampere and Wisper
Perhaps your busy commuter life means that you need a bike that compacts down. A folding bike would be great, and even better if it was electric. The Wisper 806 20” Folding Electric Bike and Ampere Mode FoldingElectric Bike are some models that we recommend for the busiest of workers that need some help after a long day in the office.
Battery is just as important
You have the bike, now you need to know how large a battery you need. Before buying, take a look at what options are available for the bike you like. Understand their mileages on a full-charge in the product description and go from there.
Of course, spending £1000+ on a new E-bike is quite the investment but it’s one we’re sure you won’t regret making. For more advice, why not visit your local store and explore the E-bikes we offer.
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