The benefits of mountain biking with kids go beyond getting outside. They also benefit physically and mentally. Children’s coordination and balance are improved, and they feel more confident. Go outside and get dirty. At the moment, we all feel pretty confined. We are all looking for new ways to get our kids outside and enjoy the remainder of summer. Park closures and social distance guidelines make it difficult to do so. Nonetheless, there are a variety of options and great ways to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. One of my favorite things is mountain biking!

Be aware of your abilities and ride accordingly.

The decision to take your baby or toddler along is extremely personal, as with any outdoor activity. You must consider your ability and comfort level. Before taking a baby or toddler, make sure you are familiar with the trails. Be aware of your abilities and limitations.

Keep the speed as low as possible, and ride within your capabilities. Don’t go off the pavement unless you’re confident on the dirt. For children too young to ride in a more stable trailer, wait until you are comfortable with riding a bike. You should be aware that a bike trailer can flip, which is why you should always make sure the person riding the trailer is wearing a helmet.

Get Your Kid Used to the Gear

1. Make sure they are aware of their brakes. It is not recommended to use the right-hand brake alone, as it is the front brake for emergencies. As the back brake, the left-hand brake is for braking safely. You can use both brakes together. If you want to learn about gears, then you should isolate the left and right hands and give them separate tasks.
2. Explain how the bike gears work and have them observe how the cogs move up and down as they change gears. Explain only the gears in the first row.
3. Low gears are used to make it easier for the legs on hills and when you have to go up hills. When riding downhill with high gears, the legs will be less likely to spin fast, and the ride will be flatter.
4. Point out the gear positions on the handlebars. Currently, the gears are on the right, but the brakes are on the left.
5. Rotate the wheel while changing gears by lifting the back wheel. Show them how the cogs move up and down when the wheel turns and how the numbers change as the gears are turned.

Start small and slow.

Consider taking your time when it is time to start cycling with a small child in a bicycle seat, cargo bike, or trailer. Don’t attempt too much on your first ride, and plan your route carefully.

It’ll take both of you some time to adjust (although possibly less so for them than for you).

Take flat cycle paths along abandoned railway lines where possible; these are often ideal places to start.

Get them started early.

Your child is bound to fall off a bicycle at some point, but off-road falls are rarely serious at this age since there is no traffic or street furniture to hit, and the speed is usually low.

Helmets are an obvious precaution, and cycling mitts can protect one’s hands from scuffed surfaces.

MTB Shirts with sleeves and long trousers are better than bare arms and legs. They protect against minor scratches, grazes, and nettle stings. Sandals or plimsolls are not as effective as sturdy trainers or boots.

Breaks are important.

You will definitely have to plan some stops along the way if you’re going on a long-haul bike ride with a toddler. You can take a break at parks, waterfronts, historical points of interest, etc. Stopping every 30–45 minutes is a good idea.

Praising, rewarding, and bringing snacks are all important.

Kids can easily be entertained while riding in the front-mounted seat. Use the speakers and sing and listen to music together.

To remind him that he’s having fun, place a fun bell next to the speaker. Toddlers used to reach for it and ring it whenever they remembered they were having fun. It is beneficial to be able to talk easily to your child from the seat. They describe what they see, the adventures they will have, and the day at school.

Proper planning is needed to create the trailer, which is a bit trickier. A snack, a sippy cup, paper and crayons, and a few toys are a must. When being pulled by a trailer, the parent not towing hangs back to talk with the child. They can take a nap if they want to.

Instead of wrappers they would have to open, use snack bags or containers that are easily accessible.

It is a good idea to provide a variety of snacks, such as crackers, fruit slices, and cucumber slices.

Preparation is key.

With young kids, bike paths and rail trails are the best places to ride. By avoiding vehicular traffic, you can concentrate on having fun, not dodging cars.

Cycling on residential roads is an option if your town does not have great cycling infrastructure. Stay away from major thoroughfares if at all possible. Don’t ride on the sidewalk, which is illegal most of the time; always use the bike lane or the far-right lane.