Take to the saddle for a summer of cycling

Children love cycling – it’s fun, builds independence and is good for their physical and mental health. Our region is known for its high levels of cycling, but it can still be daunting to begin riding as a family and start to explore longer routes. We asked Anna Williams from local charity Camcycle for her advice on helping your kids catch the cycling bug!

Why is cycling so popular with families in and around Cambridge?

It’s enjoyable, cheap and often the fastest way to get around. It’s much easier to park a cycle than a car in Cambridge and there’s a good network of safe routes and off-road paths which help beat the traffic.

How would you recommend families start their cycling journey?

Our region has lots of wonderful bike shops that can help you find what you need from child seats, cargo bikes and trailers to first balance bikes and pedal cycles. All schools in the county offer Bikeability training to their pupils and local provider Outspoken Training also offers personalised sessions for individuals and families.

How can you build up to longer rides?

If you’re not used to going much further than your local school or shops, joining a social ride can be a great way to spread your wings. Camcycle’s Reach Ride is a fun event coming up on Bank Holiday

Monday, 1st May – a free ride to Reach Fair which is popular with all ages. It’s around 15 miles each way from Cambridge (or 13 miles each way from Ely) and you can leave and join the route at any point if you’d prefer to do a shorter ride. Hundreds of people take part and it’s always exciting to spot all the different types of cycle – previous years have included unicycles and Penny Farthings!

What do my family need to bring?

You’ll need water, snacks, weather-suitable clothing, sun cream, locks for your bikes and some cash for the Reach Fair and its many attractions. Thanks to support from Continental and Cambridge City Council, there will be a small team of mechanics to help out with minor bike fixes between Cambridge and Reach. But we would also advise you to bring a few bits of basic repair kit, including a cycle pump.

Find more information about the Reach Ride on Camcycle’s website at camcycle.org.uk/reachride

Our popular Bank Holiday ride is a free, friendly event for all ages, cycling through scenic countryside to the historic Reach Fair.

Meet Camcycle in Cambridge Market Square from 9am for a 10am departure or join at other points along the route. A led ride returns at 2.30pm. Guided ride from Ely also available.

Monday 2 May

Monday 1 May camcycle.org.uk/reachride @reachride #ReachRide