FAMILY CYCLING

Dust off your saddle and gear up for an active summer with the kids

Drop the kids off at soccer; sit in the bleachers during hockey practice— there are few activities that allow kids and parents to get outdoors and get active together. Biking is one activity that the whole family can participate in, whether getting active is as much a part of the regular routine as brushing your teeth, or a relatively new endeavour. With the help of Andrew Phelps of Cranky’s Bike Shop, we’ve put together eight tips to get your family’s summer of cycling on the right track and make a season of family adventure as easy as riding a bike.

Get a tune-up

A lot can happen in the five months your bike hibernates in the shed or garage. So get in the habit of taking your bikes in at the beginning of the season for a basic tune-up. A bike mechanic will give each one a good once-over, checking for any issues with the brakes, gears and frame, as well as tire pressure. Deflated tires have almost no grip and can easily roll off the rim, turning a leisurely ride into a trip to the ER.

Check your head gear

It’s required that all cyclists wear helmets, however, a safe noggin isn’t guaranteed by simply buckling up. Before you hit the trails this season, check your helmets for signs of wear and tear—like cracks in the shell or worn-out Styrofoam—and replace them accordingly. Elements like sun and rain also have an impact on your helmet’s lifespan. It’s recommended that casual riders replace their helmets every five years, even if there are no signs of wear and tear, while frequent riders should replace them every three.

Get the right fit

When it comes to buying bikes for growing kids, the bigger the size, the longer it will last. But how big can you safely go? Keep an eye on both the height of the bike and your child’s reach. Children should be able to touch the ground while seated, and comfortably straddle the frame when they hop off the seat. And keep in mind that as bikes get taller, they get longer too. So make sure your youngster can easily steer without having to reach too much.

Go tandem

Tandem bike attachments are increasingly popular with avid cyclists who want to include kids on longer rides. A tandem bike attachment, like those made by Trail-A-Bike, transforms a traditional mountain bike into a bicycle built for two, allowing little ones to ease up on pedaling without getting left behind. Most tandem bike attachments are sized for kids between 4–7, but regardless of age, children riding must be able to touch the pedals and comfortably hold on for the duration of the ride, even if they decide to give their legs a break.

Plan your route

While kicking off and seeing where the wind blows you can be fun for older riders, having a destination in mind will help keep young kids willing to pedal—particularly if that destination promises a frozen treat. You can map out your route using the city’s website, which outlines the multitude of paved trails that connect parks, neighbourhoods and the river valley. Or, for families looking to take their cycling off the beaten path, trailforks.com catalogues mountain bike trails across North America based on factors like difficulty and distance.

Stay hydrated

Cycling is hard work—especially for little ones just getting used to pedaling beyond the front sidewalk. Fuel up on water and healthy, energizing snacks throughout the ride to keep energy levels and spirits high. Equip all bikes with a bottle cage so kids have access to water as needed, and take frequent breaks to let everyone rehydrate.

Adapt

Cyclists of all ages are welcome to share the sidewalk with pedestrians, while mature riders can choose the streets if they want. However, all must abide by the laws and etiquette of the space they choose to ride on. Riders pedaling on the road must obey all street signs and rules—think red lights, stop signs, and using hand signals when you turn—while cyclists who take to the sidewalks must dismount at crosswalks, and should be equipped with a bell to warn pedestrians as they approach.

Join a club

Local bike shops like Cranky’s offer a variety of clubs for adult cyclists and older kids dedicated to weekly rides. Aside from providing a friendly wheel to follow, clubs can be a wealth of information, with members sharing favourite routes, mechanical tips and techniques. Kid-centered clubs like Sprockids and Pedalheads are great resources for young riders to learn about safety, cycling etiquette and riding skills in an interactive group setting. n

TOP 10 OUTDOOR RECREATION

SPOTS Pack a blanket, a picnic lunch, and enjoy the great outdoors

The city and surrounding area is filled with beautiful parks, gardens and nature reserves, and there’s no better time to explore them than during summer. Hike in the city’s river valley, admire the cultivated gardens or glimpse an elk or bison over lunch. Edmonton and area’s top summer spots are waiting for your next outdoor adventure or tranquil walk in the park.

Alberta Legislature

10800 97 Ave NW Walk through the grounds and explore the site’s many fountains and gardens. Bring a swimsuit for the wading pool, and spread out under one of the historic trees for a picnic. Visit the brand new visitor’s centre on your way in, or take a guided tour of the provincial building, which run every run every hour.

Beaver Hill House Park

10440 Jasper Ave NW Don’t let the fact that it’s right downtown fool you into thinking that you can’t make a family outing by heading there. Beautifully upgraded, it’s a small spot for hanging out, but the real draw is the array of Aboriginal art that spruces up the surroundings.

Emily Murphy Park

1904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW Named after the first female judge ever appointed in Canada and what was then the British Empire, this park offers a slew of paths and picnic areas. An added amenity, because of its proximity to the river, is a canoe launch site.

Government House Park

9938 Groat Rd NW Located right by the Groat Road offramp to River Road, there’s plenty of space for picnics with firepits galore for those into more barbecued eats. It’s adjacent to one of the trails that lead walkers and bikers to a wide network of paths in the city’s river valley. The only caveat here is that parking is quite limited.

Jubilee Park

510 Grove Dr, Spruce Grove, AB If you want to get out of the city to seek a grassy getaway, this spot in Spruce Grove is worth the drive west. It’s a local favourite for family picnics with barbecue units that prefer you use charcoal instead of firewood, although you’re still welcome to use the latter. And those with physical distancing in mind will appreciate the abundant green space.

Louise McKinney Riverfront Park

9999 Grierson Hill NW This recreational area doubles as an homage to the Asian community as indicated by the ornate gazebo in the park, right by a colourful Chinese garden. Although its one of the smaller parks in the city, it’s one of the most eye-catching with an added view of the river.

Rundle Park

2909 113 Ave NW Located on the northeast side of Edmonton, Rundle Park is a beautiful multi-use area with trails, sports fields and a Frisbee golf course. There are six sites available for reservation, and many more sites available on a first come-first served basis, making it a great location for family functions and birthday parties.

St. Albert Botanic Park

265 Sturgeon Rd, St. Albert, AB This five-acre garden is perfect for locals with an appreciation of Alberta plants. Hosting a variety of themed gardens including the famous Rose Garden, Crabapple Lane, and cozy Cottage Garden, the Botanic Park is a peaceful place to spend an afternoon.

Victoria Park

12030 River Valley Rd NW This park runs alongside the north bank of the North Saskatchewan, and is known for its walking and cycling trails. Play a family game of softball or cricket before enjoying a picnic lunch or barbeque at one of the park’s picnic sites.

William Hawrelak Park

9330 Groat Rd NW Packed with picnic spots, plenty of open green space and a man-made lake, Hawkrelak Park should make every local family’s summer to-do list. Centrally located in Edmonton’s river valley, it is easily accessible by car or public transit. Bring a football, Frisbee, or badminton rackets for a fun-filled afternoon in the park. n