5 reasons why children should ride bikes

Most parents will readily admit that finding activities that will engage their children while keeping them away from screens is not easy. In fact, a recent survey showed that their children spend enormous amounts of time in front of screens. Limiting technology time includes installing parental control apps, requiring children to justify their technology use, or implementing complex family schedules for device use.

While some of these strategies can be effective, they can also be exhausting to maintain and enforce. When people talk about the benefits of cycling, they usually mention exercise or a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation. But cycling has a whole host of other benefits, especially for children. Here are a few reasons why every child should learn to ride a bike:

1. Cycling improves coordination and balance

Cycling engages the entire body and different parts of the brain. It helps improve motor integration, the coordination of complex movements between the brain and muscles. It also requires children to be aware of where their body is in space (called proprioception). Both of these skills are crucial for brain development.

We often hear the phrase “it’s like riding a bike,” which suggests that once we learn something, we can’t forget it. Although we remember riding a bike partly thanks to muscle memory, balance (which is related to proprioception) is not something that remains unchanged – it must be practiced to maintain it.

2. Cycling gets kids outside

Cycling is also a great way to get kids outside. Being outdoors has several proven benefits – it improves mood, reduces stress, increases vitamin D levels, and improves concentration.

Shared experiences unite (not only) families

3. Cycling promotes self-confidence and independence

Learning to ride a bike is difficult. The child is even happier when they master this skill, which contributes to higher self-confidence and self-esteem. A bike can also be a means of greater independence – a child can move around on their own, which strengthens their responsibility and independence. When riding a bike, they also learn to perceive their surroundings and pay attention to safety and traffic rules.

4. Cycling promotes physical health

Childhood obesity is an increasingly serious problem. Cycling is a great way to keep children active and healthy. It is an aerobic exercise that involves different muscle groups – legs (pedaling), core (stability and balance), and arms (steering). Regular riding strengthens muscles, improves endurance, and lung capacity. In addition, it is a low-impact exercise on the joints, so it is also suitable for children with more sensitive joints.

Physical activity helps children manage energy better – children who exercise regularly usually have better concentration and more regular sleep.

Movement improves concentration

5. Cycling promotes socialization

One of the best things about cycling is that it can be used both alone and in a group. Riding together is a great family activity, but it is also something that children can do with friends or siblings. Shared experiences are the best foundation for true friendships.

To ride safely

For children to enjoy all the benefits described above, they need one basic prerequisite. And that is enough safe space for cycling, i.e., cycling infrastructure. In our cities, only a fraction of children can cycle to school safely. This year’s World Cycle Ride, which we are organizing symbolically on Children’s Day, June 1, 2025, also wants to draw attention to the need for safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Come ride with us through the center of Prague, places that otherwise belong exclusively to cars, and also join the accompanying program for young and old at the Hybernská Kampus.

Take the kids to the World Bike Ride on June 1st. Photo: Jan Hromádko

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