Top 10 Must Haves For The Best Family Bike Rides
My family has always enjoyed riding bikes together, but recently we’ve become even bigger fans. The boys love heading out on their bikes with my parents, or my husband and I. Family bike rides are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise as a family. Plus, they’re just super fun! Over the past few years, we’ve gathered a collection of must have items to keep our family bike rides safer and smoother. Read on for our suggestions before you hit the bike trail again!
![Family bike rides are the perfect opportunity to spend time together outdoors. Check out our must-haves to make our rides smoother and safer, including some innovative Bicycle First Aid Kits from SJ Works. [ad] #FamilyTime #Biking #FamilyBiking #FamilyBikeRides #BikeRides #FamilyFun #GetOutside #BeSafe #FirstAid #SJWorks](http://www.homeboundbuthopeful.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BIKES-2.png)
10 MUST HAVES FOR THE BEST FAMILY BIKE RIDES
1. Helmets
These are number one on my list for a reason! They are such an important, basic step towards safety on family bike rides. At a bare minimum, the kids NEED to be wearing helmets every time they get on a bike. We tend to keep some extras around the garage, so visiting cousins or friends have a helmet to wear too if needed. In our family, everyone wears a helmet- including the adults. It models the safety measure for the kids, but also protects our heads in case of accident.
2. Trailer
This is a newer purchase for our family, but we’ve been loving having a trailer available for #thelittleone. He loves to sit back and watch the scenery pass as we ride. The trailer can be switched pretty easily from one bike to another. And he loves having extra space for a friend once in a while.
3. Infant/Toddler Seats
We’ve been riding with the boys since #thebigone was quite small. He started out in a front-mounted infant seat. I loved being able to keep an eye on him, and found balancing easier with him in the front of the bike. For a while, we used back mounted toddler seats for the boys. The boys loved those as well, and they made family bike rides that included everyone much easier.
4. Mirrors
As a child, I never missed having a mirror on my bike. But after I grew up and learned to drive, I found myself very often checking ‘mirrors’ out of habit. So we purchased some cheap add-on mirrors for our bikes. They’ve made a big difference in terms of safety- if I’m in the lead I can keep an eye on #thebigone riding behind me, as well as traffic approaching from behind.
5. Leg Straps
Riding in the fall or early spring, it’s frustrating to get our pant legs caught it the bike gears and chains. We used to use rubber bands as a quick solution, until my dad found these handy, inexpensive hook and loop straps. No more greasy, torn pants!
6. First Aid Kits
The bicycle first aid kits from SJ Works are a new addition to our family bikes, but I’m so excited to have them! They have several different styles available, so you’re sure to find a kit that fits your bike as well as needs. We had the chance to try both the Classic kit and the Smart Phone kit, and have been loving them both. Both kits are compact, lightweight, and packed with first aid essentials you may need in case of accident. As a mom with 2 young boys (who aren’t exactly biking pros!) I’m often concerned about scrapes, cuts, and falls. I love the peace of mind I have when we head out on family bike rides together now with our SJ Works bicycle first aid kits. They come stocked full of gauze, bandages, wipes, and even a small first aid guide. So practical and extremely valuable if an emergency or accident happens!
Be sure to check out the options they have directly from their site shop, or grab some from Amazon! (Hello, 2 day shipping!)
Amazon: Classic / Saddle / Smart Phone
7. Water Bottles
Staying hydrated on family bike rides is important, so a rack to hold a water bottle is a great (and minimal) investment. Definitely a must-have, especially in the warmer weather!
8. Bells/Horns
My boys think bells and horns are a totally necessity for bike riding, because kids love noise, of course! We have some on the adult bikes as well, to let us signal to others as we approach or pass. I’ll be honest though, mostly, they’re just a lot of noisy fun for us!
9. Locks
We live close enough to #thebigone’s school to ride our bikes over and enjoy the playground, or an evening school function. When we do, it’s important to keep our bikes safe and secure. A simple bike lock is exactly what we need to be sure our bikes are still at the rack when it’s time for us to ride home.
10. Baskets/Racks
Our family loves taking picnics to the school playground, or other snacks and goodies along with us on our rides. Baskets and other racks make it safe and easy to tote them along. We tend to attach bigger racks and baskets to adult bikes only, and our boys have small bags to attach to their bikes. That way they’re limited to how much they can carry (action figures, small treasures, etc.) and less likely to be thrown off balance by awkward or heavy items.
Bonus Goodies!
- A kickstand may not come standard on all bikes, so definitely add one if needed for your bike. No one wants to lay their bike down, so help it stay standing!
- Training wheels may not be for everyone, but they can help new riders feel more comfortable in the beginning. Definitely a worthwhile purchase for those new to riding on 2 wheels!
- If you’re not comfortable, you’re not likely to ride often. The right seat can make all the difference. Options with all variations in size, shape, and padding are available, so find the seat that’s right for you.
- A bike training handle can save your back if you’re helping a little one learn to ride. We used on while my oldest learned to ride without training wheels, and it was a lifesaver!
- You may not right at night often as a family- I know we try to avoid it with our kiddos. But riding as dusk can be a bit risky still. Small bike lights (like those included in the SJ Works kits, or others) and additional reflectors can make all the difference in terms of visibility and safety.
Do you enjoy family bike rides together? Where are your favorite places to pedal as a family?
![Family bike rides are the perfect opportunity to spend time together outdoors. Check out our must-haves to make our rides smoother and safer, including some innovative Bicycle First Aid Kits from SJ Works. [ad] #FamilyTime #Biking #FamilyBiking #FamilyBikeRides #BikeRides #FamilyFun #GetOutside #BeSafe #FirstAid #SJWorks](http://www.homeboundbuthopeful.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BIKES-1.png)
Bethann of Bethanimalprint
I love riding bikes with my family – we just got a box bike and the kids want to take it everywhere!