Get cycling with Cyclesolihull

self-guided route leaflets for local rides

regular free leisurely rides

cycling information and advice

In 2009 over 150 children and young people came on Cyclesolihull Community Cycle Rides.

Families with children are especially welcome on Cyclesolihull rides.

Cyclesolihull rides are an ideal way for children to get more experience of riding on the road and they will learn just by watching adults riding.

Cyclesolihull rides will help children to get to know their local area.

Riding with Children

Young children love cycling with their parents on a 'real' cycle ride and it is surprising how far some children can go - we have had 7 year olds complete some of the 'M' rides (about 15 miles)! However the nature of the rides means that parents must accept responsibility for the supervision and safety of their children on the ride. You should especially bear this in mind if you are bringing a number of children. If you need assistance please ask, as on most rides there will usually be someone willing to help out on an informal basis. Children of all ages have enjoyed Cyclesolihull rides and we hope to see more in 2010!

Tips for riding with young children

Try and get across some of the basics before coming on the ride. For example:

• ride on the left side of the road (check this by asking them to point to the side they should ride on).
• always stop at any white lines across the road (eg. give ways).

It is usually best to cycle slightly behind young children and slightly further out from the kerb as this protects them from passing traffic. On approaching a junction draw level with them and tell them what to do using simple terms (stop, go etc.). Don't rely on saying left or right but point to where you want them to go "We are turning left down there (point)".

On Cyclesolihull rides please discourage your children from cycling on the pavement even if they normally do this. They will be safer riding with the other riders on the road. Please make sure children have sensible clothes for the expected weather conditions. Children may not want to bring waterproofs and gloves...until it rains and their hands are cold so pack them anyway. If you bring a child on a child seat remember they will get colder than you do. In summer don't forget to bring sun protection!

Please be realistic about how far your children will be able to cycle. If in doubt start with a Taster ride or one of the shorter 'S' rides.

Older children & teenagers

Older children often get a raw deal - they need to develop independence from their parents but are often discouraged from joining things on their own. If older children are used to going out and riding alone on quiet roads there is no reason why they should not join the rides like everyone else and on the same basis. Parents are the best judge of the amount of freedom to give to a particular child whether it's going shopping alone, visiting friends or on a cycle ride. Responsible older children are welcome on Cyclesolihull rides. The rides always return to the starting point and we try and give an estimate of when the ride will end.

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Cyclesolihull Weather Station

What will the weather be like for the ride?

See the local BBC forecast

See where the rain is now with the Met Office rradar

Cyclesolihull rides go ahead unless there is persistant heavy rain (not just showers), very strong winds, snow or ice. Rides are rarely cancelled (just 3 in in 2009) but if we feel this is necessary because forecast bad weather we will try and put information about this on the website before the start of the ride.