Supported story - family bike rides

When Nicola Anglin’s son Tariess was given a bike for his sixth birthday, it reignited her own love of cycling and encouraged them to be more active as a family. Here, she shares her story and her top tips for getting back on your bike.

“I cycled a lot as a child, but, until last year, I hadn’t been on a bike for years,” says 32-year-old Nicola, a WCRF UK supporter.

“My son was given a bike for his sixth birthday but he didn’t use it a lot – it wasn’t much fun when I had to walk behind him. But then I thought to myself ‘you know, exercise is an important part of the daily routine’, so I decided to get myself a bike too.”

A healthier school run

“We started off cycling in the park, and on quiet back streets near where we live. Then we’d cycle to friends – you know, keeping it local! After a few months, I thought it would be a good idea to see if we could make cycling a part of our daily commute,” explains Nicola.

Tariess, eight, and Nicola now cycle 20 minutes to her mum’s house every morning, where they leave the bikes and walk the rest of the way to school. Nicola continues on her journey to work, and her mum picks up Tariess after school. They then cycle home together when Nicola’s finished work.

The new routine means that they both get at least 40 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, which is a great way to reduce their cancer risk and look after their general health. WCRF UK advises that we do at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

Nicola is already noticing the benefits of the extra activity. “I feel more energetic now – it’s exhilarating, it’s fun! Before I started, I didn’t know many other cyclists, but now friends and colleagues have also bought bikes. Cycling is reliable – there are no traffic jams – and it saves me money in the long run too. It also works wonders on the body. I’ve really toned up since I started cycling every day.”

Skills for life

As well as teaching children an important skill that they’ll have for life  (as the saying goes, ‘you never forget how to ride a bike’), cycling can also help boost their confidence.

Of course, safety should always come first, and Nicola has been careful to teach Tariess good cycling practices. Taking part in a training course can also be beneficial. The government has recently launched its Bikeability cycling award scheme, so it’s worthwhile checking with your child’s school or local authority if there are training courses available in your area.

“Cycling has made Tariess more streetwise and because he’s learnt to ride safely with me, I know I’ll be happy for him to ride on his own when he’s a bit older. It’s been great for our relationship too – it’s a fun way to spend time together. I like being a good role model for him.”  

Nicola’s top tips for successful family cycling

• Put safety first – always wear a helmet and visible clothing
• Pace yourself – start off with short trips in the park
• Don’t cycle too fast – make sure the children can keep up
• Use lights when it’s dark
• Make sure you’re properly dressed in comfortable clothing
• Have a drink with you
• Service your bike once a year

For more practical ideas on keeping your family healthy, visit our For Parents section.