There are so many wild and wonderful places to go cycling with kids in West Virginia! Before you take your kids, read this guide. This is everything you need to think about before you leave.
Although the lockdowns have played a key role in slowing down the pandemic, many experts believe that they could have long term effects on the health of children. Over the last six months, children have been forced to stay at home ruling out many of the activities that normally give them the 60 minutes of daily physical exercise they need to stay healthy and strong.
Instead of running around outside and playing with friends, many kids are spending their days sitting at home eating tons of food and looking at screens. If you’re looking for a safe way to get your kids some exercise, cycling is it.
Cycling With Kids In West Virginia
West Virginia has a lot of bikeways, trails, and sidewalks where your family can have loads of fun while exercising. But, before you get started, there are various things to consider.
Pick child-friendly cycling locations
Although cycling is allowed in almost every part of West Virginia, you must be careful when choosing where to take your kids. When you’re getting started, it’s probably best to avoid cycling on public roads as they can be dangerous for younger kids.
But, if you do it, ensure that you and your kids are following all the West Virginia bicycle laws such as always riding on the right-hand side, staying in the bike lane, and obeying traffic signs and signals. A safer and better option for your kids would be to pack up your bikes and head to one of the many cycling trails found in West Virginia such as the Greenbrier River Trail, Gauley Mountain Trail, or the Hawks Nest Rail Trail.
You can also consider van rentals like the Biking Mercedes Van Rentals to help you bring your bicycles to the biking sites.
Choose the right bike
If you want a fun-filled and safe cycling experience, make sure that everyone has the right bike. The first thing to consider when choosing your child’s bike is the size. Size affects not only how comfortable the bike feels but also how easy it is to control.
If the bike is too big, even trying to get on it could be dangerous since your child may fall off and hurt themselves. Another thing to consider is the terrain you plan to be riding on. For instance, if you are planning to go to the Gauley Mountain Trail in Slaty Fork, everyone should have a mountain bike with a strong frame that’s well equipped to withstand dings and scratches.
Gear up properly
There are some things that your kids will need to stay safe, comfortable, and happy when cycling. First of all, you must ensure that you have all the necessary safety gear, both the ones that are required under West Virginia laws such as a helmet and those that you feel would boost safety such as handlebar-mounted turn signals.
Pack lots of snacks and drinking water to keep everyone energized throughout the day, especially when going on off-road trails where there are no shops or eateries. Don’t forget to bring your face masks in case you go to a crowded trail or you need to get into a store to buy something.
Cycling is a great way to spend time with your family in West Virginia as it is fun, healthy, and promotes a sense of independence. Plus, under the current circumstances, cycling is one of the safest ways to get outdoors and enjoy the spectacular views West Virginia has to offer.
More West Virginia Inspiration
There is so much more to learn about if you want to experience the amazing outdoors in West Virginia. Here are a few more travel guides if you ever want to visit West By God Virginia!
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