Cycling and wheels

Family cycle rides

Gentle rides on quiet trails for all ages.

  • Lightintensity
  • ~280kcal per hour
  • Low costbudget
  • Lowimpact
Family cycle rides illustration

Is family cycle rides right for you?

Gentle rides on quiet trails for all ages. It is a light-intensity, low impact activity that you can do outdoors, in a group. Expect to burn around 280 calories an hour, based on a 70 kg person.

Anyone can start. Expect to spend up to about £20 a month.

Why try family cycle rides

  • Sociable. It is an easy way to meet people and have fun.
  • Clears your head. It is a reliable way to lower stress and lift your mood.
  • Improves fitness. It raises your heart rate and builds stamina.
  • Kind to joints. Low impact makes it a good choice if running or jumping is uncomfortable.

How to start family cycle rides

  1. Pick a flat traffic-free route and plan a picnic stop.

  2. Get the basics: bikes, helmets. Borrow or hire before you buy.

  3. Keep the first few sessions short and easy, and aim for two or three a week.

  4. Warm up for five minutes first, build up gradually and stop if anything hurts.

A 4-week starter plan

WeekSessionsMinutes eachFocus
1320Learn the basics and keep every session easy.
2325Repeat last week and add a little time.
3430Add a session or make one a bit harder.
4435Your longest week. Book or plan what comes next.

This is general guidance, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or injury, check with your GP before you start.

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