Wondering what to do today to discover Kapiti in a new way? How about getting on ya bike?!

Recently my husband and I purchased a bike trailer for our two girls to ride in. Being an at home mum I have the opportunity to get out and about with them during the day and was looking for a way to exercise with the girls in tow. This is a perfect solution.  Pop them in the back and they can look out the windows and chat with each other while I get some exercise and we all get to enjoy being outdoors on the Kapiti Coast.

If you’ve just got one child then there are a variety of options of child seats and bike extension which attach to your bike and these along with traliers can be purchased online or at one of our local bike shops.

Wondering where to go on ya bike?  Check out the Kapiti Coast District Coucil’s Coastal Cycleway Guide

If you’ve got children old enough to ride a bike be sure to go through the Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Seen checklist with them.  And as they’re out with their friends on their bikes this summer or just around the home be firm with them about wearing a helmet. NO helmet, NOBike is a message that should always be enforced.

Cycle helmets are designed to be effective for crashes where children fall off bikes, run into obstacles or into each other. Statistics show that a properly worn helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 85%, of brain injury by 88%, of severe brain injury by at least 75%, and of facial injury by 65%.3

Before setting out on any journey make sure that both your child’s and your own bike are in a roadworthy condition.

Safety Tips:

• Helmets – By law you must wear a properly designed cycle helmet whenever you ride your bike. A helmet will not stop you having an accident but it will reduce the risk of a serious head injury by 85%.
• Be seen – Wear something that is light coloured, reflective or fluorescent or have a flag flying on your trailer to be easily seen by other road users.
• Observation – Be aware of your surroundings, look and listen. Always give clear signals for your safety and for that of others.
• Plan your route – Where possible choose a route that you are comfortable with and wherever possible avoid busy roads and junctions. Pick routes where you can use bike lanes and shared off road paths as much as possible, but be aware of pedestrians, particularly the elderly and very young. Remember to Share with Care.
• When riding a bicycle you must comply with road laws, which are designed for the safety of all road users.
• A bike is a vehicle and should be maintained in a roadworthy condition at all times. why not take a moment to go through the New Zealand Land Trasport Authority Bike Check Activity Sheet

So how about it everyone? Get on ya bike!

Oh and why not leave a reply and let everyone know about favourite cycle route on the Kapiti Coast.