5 Family Biking Tips for the Holidays

It’s been a great year for family biking in San Francisco! As the school holiday break and the New Year approach, resolve to continue to expand your biking skills as a family. Here are five ways how:

  1. Practice, practice, practice over the school break while the city is nice and quiet! In San Francisco, children 13 and under may ride on the sidewalk, so get started in your own neighborhood. Before you venture into the street, make sure you and your child know the Rules of the Road. JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park is closed to automobiles on Sundays. There are also car-free paths around Lake Merced and along the Great Highway.
  2. Become a “roll” model. Be a confident rider yourself when you bike with your child. We recommend parents sign up for a free adult Urban Bicycling Workshop to improve your own skills and knowledge.
  3. Sign up to take a class. In partnership with Safe Routes to School, we will offer Family Biking events, including parent/child workshops and bike train practices beginning in January.
  4. Gear up. Go to a bike shop with family-friendly staff to get gear for your child, especially lights since the days are short. If you’re shopping for a helmet, let your child choose her or his own helmet and get a proper fit with an expert’s help. Your SF Bicycle Coalition membership will give you a discount at many bike shops around the city.
  5. If you’re buying a bike as a gift for your child. Your child’s first bike should be a little small, not a little big. It can be very scary to tip on a too-tall bike! Lower the seat all the way, and once your child has her balance and can pedal and maneuver confidently, then raise the seat. More teaching tips can be found in our free Family Biking Guide.

Enjoy the coming holidays! Thank you for your support for Family Biking. Get some rain gear, make sure your lights are working, and roll on!

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Become a member and you'll improve your commute and get discounts at shops across the city.