Cycling with kids is fun! However as with many things to do with children, it just takes a little bit of thought and planning to make cycling with kids work for everybody. The rule with cycling as with everything else is - if the kids are happy everyone is happy. In practice this means investing in a bit of child-specific bike equipment to keep them safe and comfortable. Once you have done that, the cycling world is your and your kids' oyster!

But where to start, and what to buy?

This hub will guide you through the range of options available when cycling with preschool kids. Do your research, then off you go!

Helmet - make wearing a helmet the norm right from day one. And set the example by wearing one yourself. Fit is the most important thing so take your child to a good local bike shop so you can chose one that is a snug fit. Always make sure it is worn properly to protect the forehead, and not slipped backwards onto the back of the head. Try to ensure the ride starts well by taking care when fastening your child's helmet - if they are old enough to follow instructions get them to close their mouth and look up - the temptation for them is to open their mouth whrn you do up the straps which makes it harder and more likely that you will nip their skin. Slide a finger behind the chin strap as you are doing it up as another preventative measure.

 Before school age children are passengers, unlikely to be able to contribute meaningfully to any pedalling action.  As a result they are easily portable, provided you have the right carrying equipment.

Child Trailers

These are the best, if also most costly solution for transporting small children around by bike.  They are also the most flexible as they will also carry your shopping to and fro, fit your bag of kiddy gubbins, nappies, snacks, drinks etc etc in without a second thought.  They provide excellent protection from the elements, as they come with both rain covers and sun shades, plus the screen in front of the child protects them from collisions with insects which can be unpleasant.

The recommendation in most trailer guides is that they are usable from nine months, or when the child is sitting up securely with good head control.  In reality it is possible to attach a baby's car seat inside a bike trailer which provides them with all the sitting support required.  We have carried our kids around in this way frm about six weeks - or whenever I was willing to sit back down on a saddle again (ouch!).

If you are riding with a trailer, handling should not be too badly affected, but you will notice drag from the trailer on up hill sections and even on the flat.  Make sure you have attached it securely to a bike with low gears and good brakes, and you should be fine.  Some trailers convert into a stroller or pushchair, but be wary, as sometimes you can end up with a product which does neither task well.

These are a cheaper and lighter option, which as a result require less puff from the driver, but are rather more limited to fair-weather cycling. They work well for children form about 9 months upwards. An upper weight limit of about 18-20kg is usually specified which means that the seat will see you through until your child is about 3 or 4, although as they get older and heavier you will notice a significant deterioration in the handling performance of your bike.

When you fit a bike seat it is a good idea to have a practice with a weight in the back of it beofr eyou put the poor unsuspecting child in there, as you may find that the wobbles are fairly severe at first. Try a big bag of potatoes or a bag of groceries, and have a go at getting on and off. Your natural instinct is to swing your leg backwards over the saddle, but if you do that, you will kick your child in the face!

Front seats are available as well as rear seats, they are less of a handling issue but not terribly comfortable to ride as it tends to make you ride as if you are impersonating John Wayne. Bow legged riding is only sustainable for a very short distance!

•  Keep distances short and aim for somewhere that will entertain them and let them stretch their legs - the park, a play area.
• Keep them warm in winter - remember they are getting all of the wind chill with not of the heat generation that you are getting.  Try ski salopettes as over-trousers, and an balaclava under a helmet.  Wellies are good too.  Now enjoy that crisp winter sunshine!
• Keep them safe in summer - sunscreen is a must, and ensure the back of the child's neck is protected as this gets very exposed as a child slumps in their seat.  Remember they won't get as warm as you even in summer, so put an extra layer on them, you can always take it off...
• Make sure nothing - feet, fingers, clothing, laces, straps etc can catch in a wheel, and check all equipment regularly.
• Never leave your child unattended in a bike seat - even if your bike has a kickstand.  They can and will wobble about and can topple the whole thing over.

Happy riding.