Cycling Families

Titusville, Florida is an official Florida Trail Town and the only place where these three major trails converge–the Coast to Coast Trail across Florida, the 5-county St. Johns River to Sea Loop Trail, and the 3000-mile East Coast Greenway. In Titusville, we’re excited by the growth and development of these trails, trail amenities and the audiences that naturally gravitate to our trails.

One major audience discovering our trails is families of all ages and cycling skill levels.

As our trails become part of our everyday lives, with some of our moms and dads beginning to cycle to work, and as our families gather for trail adventures, it’s important to talk about ways to make these family treks safer and more fun.

THE RIGHT GEAR/THE RIGHT SIZE
Kids’ bicycle needs change as they grow and develop skills. And…kids grow quickly. A mistake that parents sometimes make is buying a bicycle that their child can“grow into.” While you may think you are saving money, a bigger bike can make riding awkward, difficult, and unsafe for a smaller child. Ask the experts at Coast to Coast Bicycle Company, co-located in the Titusville Downtown Welcome Center at 429 S. Hopkins Avenue.

HELMETS. The best way to prevent head injuries is to wear a properly-fitting bike helmet — every time, not just sometimes, but even if your family is just riding up and down your block, helmets can protect kids and parents. For kids under 16, it’s the law in Florida.

LIGHT IT UP: When your family is riding in low-light conditions, it’s important to use both bike headlights and tail lights so you can see better, and so motorists will know when they are approaching you.

TAPE IT. Reflective tape is fun and smart. Adding reflective tape to trailers, bikes and helmets will make your family visible to other cyclists and motorists. Adding a safety flag to a trailer is another option when it comes to family cycling safety.

HYDRATE: In Florida sunshine or rain, it’s very important to make sure everyone stays hydrated.

• Kids should drink on a schedule. Thirst is not an accurate measure of a child’s need for fluid. By the time your child says he is thirsty, he is already dehydrated.
• Kids should have their own personal water bottles and need to be reminded to drink. Water bottles with marks on the sides may help you teach them to drink more and at regular intervals.

TAKE SNACKS: Bring refreshments. Bringing some snacks along for the ride will ensure everyone stays energized.

TAKE BREAKS: Don’t ride too far. Stop before it turns into a chore. Shorter routes with places to stop along the way will keep them wanting to ride more

AND PRACTICE SAFETY:
· Teach everyone hand signals.
· Allow the slowest rider to set the pace.
· Stick together.

SOURCES:
https://www.rollbicycles.com/blogs/press/family-bike-rides-tips-for-biking-with-kids

How to teach a kid to ride a bike:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/teach-child-to-ride-a-bike.html

How to choose kids bikes (includes a sizing chart), but ask an expert:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/kids-bikes-how-to-choose.html

Kids, sports and hydration:
https://www.momsteam.com/nutrition/sports-hydration/fluid-guidelines/kids-drink-before-during-after-sports-on-schedule