Cycling

Walking vs Running vs Cycling: What’s Best for Busy Parents?

by
Calder Hebble Navigation Cycle Review

When most people decide to get fit, the default tends to be running. It’s familiar, feels like proper exercise, and it burns calories quickly. But for beginner-level parents aged 30–45, who perhaps haven’t performed sustained levels of exercise for some time, is it really the best place to start?

The good news is that walking, running, and cycling can all improve your fitness. In this article, we’ll compare these three activities – looking at how they boost your heart health, which muscles they use, how many calories they burn, and their impact on your joints and lifestyle.

We’ll also talk about what makes an activity family-friendly and sustainable in the long run. By the end, you’ll see why we’re gently nudging you to give cycling a try as a fun, accessible way to get fit (without being preachy about it, we promise!). So, let’s break it down on why we would  

Read more

Betty Eastwood BMX Track Review

by
Betty Eastwood BMX Track

As a family, we have become quite obsessed with BMX/Pump tracks. We feel they are a brilliant, safe way to get children into Cycling. Fortunately, we have one approximately 10 minutes from our doorstep. It’s a small one, but perfect for the kids to enjoy and pick up some key skills. This is Betty Eastwood BMX Track in Crigglestone, Wakefield.

The track has become a staple in our weekly routine. I tend to pick Barney up from Nursery, drive the short distance to Crigglestone and give him a short boost in improving his biking skills. As a parent, it’s just about giving your children that little boost of outside time and we’ve found on an evening this is a perfect spot.

Read more

Active Travel vs Road Spending in the UK

by
Active Travel vs Road Spending UK

When it comes to transport infrastructure, much of the UK’s policy and spending has been based on a simple but flawed idea: more roads mean more economic opportunity. Yet growing evidence shows that investing in active travel — cycling and walking — delivers far greater returns (1).

In the early years of car use, it was clear to see the economic benefits of more roads. More distance can be covered, opportunities widen, and the economy expands. But is that still the case,  and do they lead to a better quality of life?

Today, we examine how active travel outperforms traditional road investment in economic outputs like retail spending, employment, health savings, and productivity and why it’s time to rethink how we measure success. Traditionally, any budget for Active Travel has been measured via non-economic outputs (environment, quality of life), whereas roads have been measured purely by economic output.

Recently, governments’ research studies have started to measure active travel measures via their economic output. The data is compelling, yet budgets are tiny vs road budgets. Why is this? Is it purely because change is difficult? Let’s examine the economic potential of active travel. 

Read more

Rother Valley Country Park Cycling Review For Families

by
Rother Valley Country Park Cycling

Rother Valley Country Park is located near Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK, just off the M1 at Junction 31, only a short drive away from the popular Gulliver’s Valley theme park. The park spans 750 acres, offering a mix of lakes, woodlands, and trails perfect for a family cycling day out.

Read more

Balance Bike Vs Stabilisers – Which is best?

by
Balance Bike vs Stabilisers

Teaching your child to ride a bike is a significant milestone, and the method you choose can greatly influence their confidence and enjoyment. Everything from the place you choose to teach them how to ride their bike, right through to the bike choice. These all influence the speed of the outcome.

While stabilisers (training wheels) have been the traditional route, balance bikes are increasingly recognised, and evidence supports that they are a vastly superior alternative.

Read more

Center Parcs Review For Families

by
Center Parcs Review For Families

There’s a long-running joke about the cost of Center Parcs. A trip there can sometimes feel like you’re paying obscene prices for a trip a couple of hours away from home. 

But here’s the truth we’ve discovered: when approached in the right way, Center Parcs can be one of the best-value short breaks for outdoorsy families—especially those with young cyclists in tow who happen to love swimming and parks. 

Table of Contents

Read more

Sherwood Pines Cycling Review For Families

by
Sherwood Pines Cycling

Sherwood Pines is nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest, near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The forest spans over 3000 acres, offering a vast, traffic-free space for outdoor adventures. It is an absolute haven for cycle trails across all abilities, as well as multiple playgrounds and outdoor activities like Go-Ape. There is also an excellent on-site campsite for those wanting to make it more than a day trip.

Read more

Commuting to Primary School: Walking vs Cycling vs Park & Stride vs Car

by
Commuting To Primary School

There are a whole host of different ways people commute to Primary school. Whether that’s our own preference for walking and cycling or driving, people have their own reasons for a specific journey type.

But the way you commute to school can have a huge impact on the overall health outcomes of you and the wider society. It’s not a straightforward topic to tackle yet there are ways it can be a balancing act between practicality, health and the environment.

Let’s explore four common ways families commute: walking, cycling, park and stride, and driving. We’ll provide insights, backed by research, to help you find and potentially make small changes which can have far-reaching benefits.

Read more

How to Get Into Cycling – How Do Beginners Start?

by
Resistance Training & Cycling

Cycling can look daunting as a beginner and the thought of getting started with something new can feel uncomfortable. You are not alone and this is completely human and this is how you should feel. But let me let you in on a secret. Cycling for leisure is actually incredibly easy, can be done in your own time at your own pace and is super rewarding! 

If you’re thinking of giving cycling a go, but the idea of getting on a bike feels daunting, you’re not alone. At Family Cycling, our approach is simple, relaxed, and down-to-earth. We’re not chasing Strava segments or racking up miles (But if you do this it’s totally fine too!).

We’re about getting outdoors, building confidence, and using the humble bike as a tool for joy, connection, and adventure. Whether that’s taking your kids to school, heading down to the shops or just a recreational activity on a weekend. Bikes are arguably the most effective mode of transportation known to man. 

So, how do you get started with cycling – especially as an adult? Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to get started with some simple hints and tips for those who feel apprehensive about taking the initial step. 

Read more