Cycling to School - Benefits, Safety Tips and more!

How do your little ones get to school?

With National Ride to School Day almost here (Friday 19th March 2021), if you haven't tried cycling as a school commuting option, why not give it a go? There are so many benefits to cycling to school, but here are just a few:

It is an excellent physical activity and the perfect way to have an active start to your day. Cycling has so many physical health benefits, but especially for kids heading to school. It will wake them up and kick start their energy for a day of learning right from the word go. With so much technology in our lives - from TV's, laptops and other smart devices - this precious time moving outside is the perfect start to the day.

Encourages independence and builds confidence. Learning how to ride a bike and riding every day to school is a great way to build their skills on a bike. Plus, it has the added benefit of giving them a sense of independence, as they get older, they may even be able to ride with their siblings or friends.

It is way more fun than sitting in a car! Kids have lots of energy, and it's essential to use it. Sitting in the car on the way to school can be such a boring ride, and often sees kids sitting in the back seat on their phones or simply sitting there bored. Getting them outside and onto two wheels every day is just a lot more fun. Having a friend tag along makes it even better!

It's good for the environment. Cycling to school is great for the environment – it gets fewer cars on the road, decreasing traffic congestion that is guaranteed around school drop-offs and pick-ups. Less congestion also makes it safer for those walking and riding.

Riding a bike to school builds community. Cruising along with all the other kids as you approach the school encourages chatting and excitement, so people get to know each other. Fighting for that last parking space or clogging the school driveway in your SUV doesn’t elicit half as many smiles.

So with all these benefits, why not give riding to school a try?

Looking for some final safety tips for your ride? Here are a few to make sure you are ready for a safe trip to school:

• Helmets! Helmets are an essential part of cycling safety and should be worn at all times when riding your bike.
• Teach your kids road safety. Always stop, look and listen before crossing roads and ring your bell if you are riding past pedestrians.
• If your kids are young, it is vital that an adult is accompanying them. Whether it's riding behind or walking alongside, it is crucial to keep a close eye on them, especially in their younger years.

If you think riding to school is for you and your kids but haven't got yourselves bikes yet, check out our range of kids bikes here . With a variety of styles, sizes and colours, there is something for everyone!

Happy riding,

The Reid Cycles Team