Grim Reading: 1 in 3 children yet to ride a bike
New data issued by Raleigh makes grim reading as the findings show only one in three UK primary school children (ages 5 to 10), had yet to ride a bike, this year.
Even more worrying is the data shows that many kids have never been on a bike in their lives.
This means that 1.6 million kids, this year, have missed out on a fun and enjoyable way to get to school, the shops or see their friends to say nothing of missing out on the positive impact cycling has on kids mental and physical well-being.
The research commissioned by British bike brand, Raleigh, found that school children in cities were the least likely to have used a bike this year (41%) with the figure reaching almost half (49%) of those in London.
Parents view cycling as too dangerous these days, with main reasons being there aren’t enough safe, local spaces (20%) or that traffic is too hazardous (20%).
Even for those who are riding bikes, half (49%) said they spend under an hour each month cycling, or 2 minutes per day on average. This possibly accounts for children spending 45% longer travelling in cars to school.
Nonetheless, most adults can recall themselves being able ride a bike to go and see their friends and oddly enough two-thirds polled (67 per cent) cited it as one of the vital life skills to pass onto children, alongside swimming and money management.
Cycling is a rite of passage for kids; one that offers freedom, independence, the joy of feeling the wind through their hair. It should be of no surprise that, beyond their fears, parents are keen for the kids to cycle as it has incredible physical benefits: it burns calories, develops balance, and lightens mood.
Raleigh UK spokesperson Michelle Jakeway said: “Most adults will remember the sense of freedom riding a bike brought them and we saw once again just how much happiness cycling can bring during the lockdowns, with record numbers of grown-ups getting on two wheels”.
“So, it’s a real shame to see that many kids aren’t getting to experience that too”.
In order to help get more children riding bikes, Raleigh has developed a set of tips for parents:
- Start by making sure their bike fits properly and they can comfortably reach the brakes, gears and pedals so they feel safe.
- Build confidence by practising skills together in a traffic free environment. Bikes are fun so use games to improve their balance. Make little race circuits in the park so they need to weave between trees and practice stopping and starting.
- Lead by example. A lot of parenting is about modelling the behaviour you want to see in your children. As a family, start using your bikes together for short trips or fun days out.
- Give them a reason to cycle by choosing a destination they enjoy visiting such as the park or the ice-cream van!
- Let them bond with their bikes! Encourage kids to choose accessories from helmets, to reflectors and decorate their bike so they are proud of it.
