Accessories You Need For Your Family Bike Rides

Spring is the perfect time for family bike rides. They’re a great way to enjoy the fresh air, be outdoors and get some exercise together. To make the most of your cycling adventures, you should consider the accessories you might need, as they can make all the difference, enhancing both comfort and safety.

Protective Equipment

Helmets are, of course, a non-negotiable for both children and adults. When choosing a helmet, you should look for ones that meet certified safety standards such as the CE standards. In terms of fit, they should be snug and adjustable. The adjustability of a child’s bike helmet is important as children grow so quickly. To encourage your child to wear their helmet, opt for a fun colour or pattern.

Additionally, if your child has just come off stabilisers and is still finding their balance on two clumsy or has not quite got the knack of cycling yet, then it might also be a good idea to get them kitted up with some protective pads. They protect elbows, knees and wrists so you can enjoy your bike ride without any tears.

Child Trailer/Tow Bikes

If you have children who are not yet able to ride their own bikes or still need some support and guidance, there are options for them to be behind or alongside you, so they don't have to miss out.

For young children, child seats, cargo bikes and bike trailers are all good options. Child seats typically attach to the back of your bike. Seats with padded harnesses, adjustable footrests and solid back support will be the most comfortable for your child.

A cargo bike is a fun way to transport multiple children and luggage at the same time – this might be a better option for commuting, rather than dedicated bike rides. In a similar vein, bike trailers are perfect for small children. They have lots of room and good weather protection.

For children who still need support on their bikes, you could get a Trail Gator tow bar. This converts your child's bike into a towable bike that connects to yours. They can be very quick to attach and detach, and allow your child to either pedal or just coast.

For more children who want to have control over the steering, pedalling and braking, you can get a tow rope. The rope pulls your child behind you, but is shock absorbing, so you will still enjoy a smooth ride.

Both the tow bar and the tow rope are beneficial for family bike rides as they will help your child conserve energy meaning they can continue cycling for longer.

Handlebar Mirrors

With small children cycling behind or beside you, your awareness of the situation and your surroundings becomes really important. To keep an eye on what's going on, consider handlebar mirrors. They're relatively inexpensive but allow you to keep an eye on what's going on, hopefully leading to a calm and enjoyable family bike ride.

Toolkit

A small toolkit with essentials such as a multi-tool, a puncture repair kit and a mini pump can help you in situations that first appear bad. When out cycling as a family, it's important that you're all able to keep going and that no one is stranded. Having the tools means you can quickly fix the issue and get the bike back on the road.

Saddle Bags

Cycling as a family often means you'll need to bring significantly more things: snacks, water, suncream, extra layers, etc. You will also need somewhere to store it all. Whilst a rucksack could do the trick, a saddlebag might be better as it's mounted to the frame, so it will hold everything you need without straining your shoulders.

Bike Computer or Phone Mount

Being able to keep track of your location is important, and can easily be done if you have a cycling computer. If you don't already have one of these, a phone mount works just as well and is a lot cheaper. Having your phone easily accessible will mean you can take lots of photos to capture memories.

Car Bike Racks

If you're driving to cycle somewhere further afield, then you should consider a bicycle car rack to keep your bikes secure. These racks are capable of carrying multiple bikes at a time, just make sure you choose one that fits both your car and the number of bikes you need to be transporting. They're also easy to fit and don’t need any tools to do this, meaning they are even more convenient.

Bicycle Insurance

Flat tyres when you're out cycling as a family are annoying, but are not ride-ending if you have the right equipment. Larger problems like theft or damage that render your bike unusable have the potential to turn a family outing into a real headache. This is why bicycle insurance is the most important accessory for your family bike ride.

Final Thoughts

With the right accessories and cycle insurance, your family bike rides will be more enjoyable, meaning you'll be able to relax, as you have total peace of mind, and make the most of your time together.