It seems like our feature about taking babies and toddlers out for a day cycling in the New Forest really inspired many of you to get on your bikes again! So many of you wrote in to enquire about what kit was needed to set you off on cycling adventures of your own and where it could be found locally that we felt compelled to find out for you.
 We weren’t surprised by this enthusiasm. Basking in the golden glow of so many Olympic medals, cycling had never been more fashionable than now. It is great exercise and allows young families to explore the beautiful countryside of Hampshire and Surrey safely and pollution-free. And of course, it is a terrific exercise to introduce to our children during this age of couch potatoes and childhood obesity.
Of course, the New Forest isn’t the only place locally to cycle; we are fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful countryside here. Just ask Alex Brooks from Tourism South East. “There are some great places to cycle throughout the South East. The South Downs have some beautiful scenic routes, Hampshire has some great cycling locations and the River Thames also has some lovely cycle paths.”
Rob Gazzard of the Forestry Commission points out that there are safe cycling opportunities aplenty in much of the woodland they manage. He especially recommends Alice Holt Forest near Farnham, Surrey and South East Hampshire’s Forest of Bere.
Obviously, the first buy has to be a bicycle for mum and dad. But what model to go for and how much to expect to spend? Andy Hayes, proprietor of the Sholing Cycle Centre in Southampton told me that a “half-decent” one to be used frequently would cost around the £500 figure. However, for a casual user maybe wanting to take their children out once each month, a bicycle costing £200 to £250 should be fine.
He recommends brands such as Muddy Fox, Giant, Diamondback and that old favourite Raleigh. His own favourite however is Bronx. “I’ve never had any trouble with a Bronx bike. They are a family business so they need to put everything they can into their bikes.”
William Pearson from Pearson Cycle Specialists in Sutton, Surrey offers hope that a bicycle for such casual users can be picked up even cheaper. Expect to pay approximately £150 for a mountain bike or £200 for a hybrid (which can be used on roads or off-road tracks) he says. Brands he suggests buying are GT, Specialized and Raleigh.
A trailer is a good addition for cycling on flat and wide off-road tracks such as those found in the New Forest. Some take up to two children comfortably whilst also providing room for picnics and nappies and the like. A basic model, the Avenir Shetland, can be bought for £120. Steel-framed with a canvas base, the Shetland has seats and safety belts for two, a fold up rain shield and fitted fly screen, and folds simply for easy storage.
There are of course a range of trailers on the market to suit different pockets. For example, a more expensive model, the Avenir Cleveland, costs £80 more than the Shetland despite only seating one child. Why? Because it has a tough hard base with fold flat sides, the additional security of internal grab handles and is aluminium-based, making it considerably lighter to carry or tow.
These trailers are fantastic on the right terrain, but may be inappropriate for cycling on the road or even bridleways.
“They’re okay if using in parks like Richmond Park or where there is not a lot of traffic,” William told me, “but dangerous in traffic as they are so low. And they shouldn’t be used on bridleways as the child would be rattling along and uncomfortable and there is the risk of overturning.”
Jeff Butcher from Geoffrey Butler Cycles in Croydon agrees. They don’t sell many trailers as parents prefer to buy rear-mounted car seats. “They are a bit more stable and people feel safer with their child closer to them and not level with the road.”
Jeff promotes rear-mounted seats over the crossbar-mounted variety as he says the latter don’t fit every bicycle. Either way, these seats are suitable for babies aged six months plus, clip on quite simply and can bear up to 20 kilograms in weight. They are also a far cheaper option, costing just £60.
For children aged three and over a seat is available which bolts onto the crossbar and comes with a footrest which mounts on the lower bar. Such seats are even cheaper, at just £20.
Bicycle helmets are not compulsory under UK law and there is some controversy and debate about how useful they really are when preventing serious head injuries. However, they may well be a good idea for children and are recommended by ROSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents).
If you are going to buy one, ensure it complies with BS EN 1078 Snell Certification and try to pick one that is fashionable and appealing to wear. Toddlers’ helmets can be bought for around the £20 mark; adult’s sizes also start at this figure but can cost more for greater strength and protection.
So, we have found out what you need to start and where you can buy it. Now, whether you choose to explore the many miles of open countryside, take the family for a ride on the seafront or simply go for a gentle cycle around the local park there’s no stopping you. It’s time to get on your bike!
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