Cycling UK urges families to spend quality time on two wheels

By Rob Kingston
Friday, 10 April 2020
Family cycling on quiet roads
Roads are quiet, so make the most of it this Easter
With many other Easter activities impossible due to the coronavirus pandemic, taking exercise together is more important than ever

This Easter, Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, is encouraging families to take the opportunity to discover the joys of cycling together. With home schooling on hold, less traffic on the roads and warmer weather finally here, it’s a perfect time to go outdoors, get some exercise and build valuable cycling habits.

James Scott, Cycling UK’s Director of Behaviour Change and Development, said: “School closures mean children have been stuck at home even before the holidays, so it is more important than ever that they get a change of scene and get active, for their physical and mental wellbeing. Cycling, as long as it is done responsibly, is a great way to get outdoors as a family, and teach children skills that will keep them healthy and safe in the future.”

Cycling UK has put together a guide to riding with your family during the coronavirus crisis, covering topics such as where and when to ride, checking clothing and equipment, skills to practise before heading out on the road, and learning road sense.

With all of us being called on to cut out non-essential car journeys, and concerns over people congregating in popular areas to exercise, Cycling UK has also published a guide to planning local rides that start from your doorstep. Whether using a traditional map or one of the wealth of hi-tech online route planners, this is a great opportunity to find new places to ride close to home, taking into account the need to exercise responsibly.

“During this time when we all have to ride locally, one of the hardest things for parents to do is work out a child-friendly route from their own doorstep,” Scott commented. “However, with road traffic levels as low as they were in the 1950s, now is the perfect time to get out exploring – so long as you follow Government guidance."

To help control the spread of coronavirus, Cycling UK is stressing the importance of following Government guidance on taking exercise safely. Group riding is not permitted, except with members of your household, and only if everyone in the household is healthy. While outside, cyclists should:

  • Maintain a distance of at least two metres from anyone outside their household.
  • Take tissues with them and dispose of these in the nearest bin after use.
  • Wash their hands and cycle gloves when they return.

Notes to editors

Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone. www.cyclinguk.org

Press contact information

Due to the restrictions caused by the coronavirus outbreak, currently the normal press office number (01483 238 315) is not being monitored. For further information during working hours please contact Sam Jones, communications and media manager, on 07584 271300 or Rob Kingston, communications officer, on 07880 424 912. Outside working hours call 07786 320 713 or email [email protected]  

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