Cycling Into A Lifetime of Fun!

Most of us will remember the experience of sitting precariously I on a two wheel bike whilst a parent or older sibling or even a friend held onto the back of the saddle, pushing us along on the bike until enough speed was created to shove us off on our own whilst we desperately tried to control the wobbling handle bars which definitely had a life on their own and then that glorious moment when we were actually pedaling and steering on our own.

I'm sure that we never for a moment gave a thought to Baron Karl von Drais from the Duchy of Baden in Central Germany who in 1817 invented the Laufmaschine (running machine) This early bicycle was a simple wooden frame having two wheels, the front one of which could be steered. There were no pedals the forward movement being achieved by the simple process of running whilst seated astride the frame.

In 1887 seventy years and many subsequent designs later, including the addition of the pneumatic tyre by a Doctor named  Dunlop, another major   person in the history of bicycles, Sir Frank Bowden was told by his doctor  that unless he took up some exercise he wouldn't live more than six months and, as he had recommended cycling, he purchased a cycle from Raleigh Street in Nottingham. He was so impressed with the speed of his recovery that he bought an interest in the company and in 1888 The Raleigh Cycle Company was formed.

Despite the vast and incredible developments in the twentieth century of cost effective automated travel Cycling is even more popular today than it was nearly two centuries ago including having major sporting events on the Olympic and world stage.

So why cycle? Well you can enjoy a leisurely ride out in the country, or to have an economical way to get to work, or to avoid the commuter queue by nipping in and out of the traffic, or to compete in cycling events, or for the sociability of a cycling club and of course cycling is healthy, both for you as an individual, and for the community you live in. Cycling regularly will  improve your fitness and can help you live a long and  healthy life, it  increases your stamina,    strengthens your heart, reduces stress and  helps control your weight Its also fun!

This makes riding a bike a great pastime for children and provides them with a life skill which will open up many sporting hobbies and social opportunities. www.cycling.uk.net/lists many cycling organisations of them, The British Schools Cycling association, aim to offer cycling opportunities to all children in the UK and their development mission is: To increase the number of active cyclists amongst young people of school age and to offer them a wide range of educational experiences in the enjoyment of cycling. Their web site www.bsca.org.uk/ has links to regional coordinators throughout the UK.

When choosing a bike for your child make sure you go to a specialist shop who will measure them up properly as well as taking into account their rate of growth. The helmet is a must and children should be encouraged to wear them as soon as they ride a tricycle so they get used to 'road' safety. A good helmet can make the difference between a harmless tumble and a life changing head injury and of course there are knee pads & elbow pads to give protection too.

Of course the best way to keep your child safe on a bike is to ensure they get formal training by experts and this can be achieved easily and effectively. Cycling on roads requires competence and this can be supported by taking the Royal Society of Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) National Cycling Proficiency Test. It is offered to children over the age of nine for free, often through their school and generally administered      by local authorities in the UK. Some local authorities offer training for adults too - the Road Safety or Cycling Officer may be a useful first contact.

The National Proficiency Test helps to develop observation & maneuverability skills, introduces the Highway Code for Young Road Users, teaches the importance of cycle maintenance & hazard awareness, and provides information & advice on being conspicuous and wearing protective headgear.

Cycling is a great activity for all the family and, as Sir Frank Bowden discovered, can truly help you live longer & livelier!

Anne Pink www.newhorizonscc.co.uk