The summer holidays are the perfect time for family bike rides, children’s cycle safety coaching and learning new skills. Whether your son or daughter is already convinced that they will be the next pro-cyclist, or they are just getting to grips with losing the stabilisers, there are plenty of events to keep them entertained around the country this summer.
Lee Valley VeloPark
A London 2012 venue, what better place for your kids to get into cycling than at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park? Offering taster sessions, introductory classes and pay and ride sessions in BMX, road, mountain bike and track; the Lee Valley VeloPark has everything necessary to entertain any budding cyclist from any discipline. Book online now to reserve your child’s place to keep them occupied this summer holidays. One hour sessions start from just £12 and include bicycle and helmet hire. Once they have completed their introductory taster session, your child will be able to practice their BMX tricks on their own bike for as little as £4 a session. Aimed at 7-16 year olds, BMX and track riders will need to come with their own mitts or gloves.
New Forest Cycling Week
The whole family can participate in the 40th anniversary of the New Forest Cycling Week rally that will take place this year from 25 July until 2 August. Starting from the UK Youth Activity Centre at Avon near Burley, participants will spend the next few days enjoying the beautiful cycling routes around the forest, camping each night. Designed with families in mind, even young children won’t have a problem keeping up or tackling the trails and there are lots of extra activities to keep little ones (and adults) entertained too. Go for the whole rally or just go for a day – whichever suits you.
Mums and Kids Summer Holiday Sky Rides
If you’ve got some time off this summer to spend with your little budding cyclist why not head off on an organised Sky Ride just for women and children. It’s a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors with your son or daughter whilst being able to enjoy some adult company at the same time. Suitable for all types of bikes and child trailers, Sky Rides are short distance, easy going rides with lots of scheduled breaks for playing games. Take a picnic and turn it into a full day out.
Halfords Free Bike Workshops
If your kids are starting to ask to go off on bike rides with their friends without you in tow, they’re going to need to learn a few basic bike maintenance skills so that they don’t end up having to walk home pushing their bike whenever something minor goes wrong.
This summer Halfords is holding free workshops for 7-11 year olds that will teach them important skills such as how to mend a puncture, how to re-attach a chain and how to adjust their handlebars and saddle height. Places are limited on these courses so be sure to book ahead online using the postcode finder to locate your nearest participating store.
Bikeability Summer Training Courses
The summer holidays are the ideal time to build children’s confidence cycling. Whether your child will be starting secondary school in September and is eager to cycle there each day with friends, or they are still a bit too wobbly to cycle safely on the roads, a Bikeability course will help them conquer the skills they need.
Offering three levels of training courses covering all abilities, Bikeability courses are led by British Cycling professional coaches. All you need to do to enable your child to take part is book them a place online and ensure that they have a roadworthy, well-fitting bike and helmet.
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