The PackThePJs team love cycling. The children, who are growing at a phenomenal rate, seem to get through a bicycle every 2 years. They were both cycling without assistance by the age of 6, though Toby (8) is still a little bit unstable at times. The children often bring their bikes when we take the dogs out for a long walk. Our usual walk is away from any main roads – primarily so the dogs can run without fear of them straying close to traffic – but it also keeps the children safe. You see, although we love cycling, we only ever cycle on cycle paths and not on the roads.
We are lucky in that we live in an area where a lot of investment has gone into cycle paths. We live in a village and the closest town has a perimeter ‘Green Way’ walk and cycle path that has an access point close to us. It means we can walk or cycle into town, through farmer’s fields and around a children’s farm, without having to cross any major roads. It’s a lovely – safe – place to learn to ride.
My daughter goes to school about 2 miles away in the next village. The door-to-door route isn’t ‘yet’ fully cycle-pathed. When it is, I’d be delighted if she wanted to cycle each day. Her school promotes the Bikeability course, which she will sign up for next year. This course is great in that it teaches you not only about road safety while cycling, but also how to look after your cycle, what accessories are important (helmets, lights etc). You see, although as a family we enjoy cycling, we just don’t find road cycling safe.
A Survey of UK Cyclists
Leading bike retailer, Cycle Republic, has recently undertaken a survey of cyclists across the UK, looking at how the UK feels about bike rides. It makes for interesting reading – especially the growing popularity of cycling among women. It’s a long infographic, but take a look – it’s an eye-opener!
Storage is definitely an issue. At Millie-Mae’s school there have been incidences of bike theft from the sheds during the middle of the school day. We often hear of bikes going missing from local parks/outside people’s houses. Cycles are not cheap items, and therefore are clearly sought after by criminals. Security is therefore very important too.
I could never see myself cycling in a city centre – too dangerous and inhaling pollutants doesn’t really appeal. But it would be lovely to be more like Holland, where cycles dominate over cars with miles and miles of lovely cycle paths to use. I used to cycle to school. I’m hoping our children will do too. But whereas I cycled on the roads, I’d be a lot happier if my children didn’t have to share any point of their journey with vehicles. Have times changed that much? We’re talking 30 years or so … I can’t remember the roads being as busy as they are now, so maybe this is why.
Cycling is a growing form of recreation and transport within the UK. It’s important that children learn to ride and learn how to keep safe when out on their cycles. I think the answer is for more cycle paths; a comprehensive network all over the UK that is totally independent of car-using roads.
What do you think? We’d love to know.
I’d absolutely love to cycle more, but honestly, I don’t feel safe enough. The map of the UK shows that it’s equal in terms of unsafe places around the country, and it’s good to see that women are overtaking men! Your lucky your children can cycle in green areas; I think I’d like to join them too!