Cycling as a Family
Whether cycling to school, into the city or for a day out, going for a cycle ride with kids can be great fun! It is a great way to do something together while getting some exercise. This page has lots of useful information, tips and advice on cycling with children to help you feel confident to give it a go.
When riding with children, it is best to ride parallel with your child or slightly behind and further out into the road to help keep them safe.
Colchester Cycling Map
Our cycling map shows all of the off-road cycling routes in and around Colchester to help you plan a traffic free route.
Family Cycling Trails
Discover our selection of fun family cycling trails that help you to explore Colchester’s cycling routes with some fun activities along the way.
School Active Zone Maps
Some schools in Colchester have got active zone maps to help everyone find the best way to travel to school.
If you have younger children, eCargo bikes are a great option for carrying them on a bike. They have a purpose-built areas children to sit often with a rain cover, and the electric assists helps you to cycle with ease, even up a hill. It can be a great way to travel for you and the kids, allowing you to do the school run and then carry on to work and skip the rush hour traffic.
There are a selection of eCargo bikes available in Colchester on a pay-as-you-go or short term hire basis so that you can try them out!
“I find that the journey is much more enjoyable by bike compared to in a car and you don’t have to worry about traffic or finding somewhere to park. My kids also love being ridden around in the bike!”
“Travelling by bike can be quicker than driving, especially when commuting, so I save time, but it also saves money on fuel. I estimated that last year I saved around £2000 on fuel by using my bike rather than a car. It is completely multipurpose and everyone in the house loves it!”
“Cycling is also good exercise and by using my bike for day-to-day journeys, I can easily do 1-2 hours of cycling a day without realising! I find that cycling combines all of the benefits of walking and driving.”
The best tool to help a child learn how to ride a bike is a balance bike or take the pedals off a normal bike and let them use it as a balance bike. This is much more effective than putting stabilisers or training wheels on a bike because it teaches them how to balance and steer a 2 wheeled bike and makes the transition to using pedals much easier.
There are also Learn to Ride sessions available from Bikeability.
- Kidical Mass – a fun, family-friendly cycling group designed to inspire and encourage children and their families to enjoy cycling together
- Family Bikeability – a 3 hour bespoke family course for those who can already ride unassisted, it is designed to increase your families cycling confidence
- Cycling Sprog – help and advice on cycling with kids and help finding a new bike for your child, including specific advice for teaching a neurodivergent child to cycle
- Wheels for All – a range of adapted bikes and trikes that you can try
Get the most from your ride
Buying a Bike
Find information about where to buy a bike either new or second-hand.
Find out more
Cycle Groups
Check out the different cycling groups that meet in and around Colchester.
Find out more
Bike Parking
Find out where you can park your bike when out and about.
Find out more
Safety & Training
Learn about best practice for cycle safety and book on to a cycle course.
Find out more