5 Things Kids Can Learn from Riding a Bike
(Hint, It’s Not Just Balance and Coordination)

by Lisa VanderMause | View Bio

Lisa VanderMause

Lisa VanderMause leads the Marketing & Consumer Experience team in the creation and execution of the customer and consumer-led marketing strategies at Pacific Cycle, including Schwinn Bikes. She works closely between the Brand, Product, and Sales teams to ensure integration and maximum success in the marketplace. Before her promotion to VP of Marketing & Consumer Experience, VanderMause held the roles of Director of Marketing Communications for Pacific Cycle, and Senior Marketing Manager for Kid Trax, the kids’ ride-on toy segment of Pacific Cycle; she has also worked across well-known brands including Kohler Plumbing Fixtures, Bali Custom Window Treatments, Rayovac Batteries – and has even spent some time scratching an entrepreneurial itch with “SnotTape.” She holds a MS in Communications from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater.

It is well documented that unstructured playtime outside of school, like the kind children can experience during summer, is critical in our children’s social, mental, and physical development. However, unstructured outdoor playtime is drastically declining. According to a study by Child Mind Institute, the average American child spends only 4-7 minutes per day playing outside, and more than 7 hours per day in front of a screen – despite nearly endless proven benefits that the outdoors can provide.

Aside from teaching balance and coordination, bike riding offers children the chance to learn many other important life skills as they cruise around their neighborhood and beyond. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

When the weather allows, there’s no better time to encourage kids to get outdoors and active, and back on bikes. If you need more proof, here are 5 things that your kids will benefit from hopping on their bike:

1. Promotes Independence
   Whether kids decide to cruise around the neighborhood, bike to the park or a friend’s house, or discover a fun new trail – biking allows children to explore their surroundings on their own terms and experience self-reliance. They get to decide where to go, assess risks, and learn to trust their instincts. Making these choices helps them become more independent and can build their confidence.


2. Encourages Community
   In addition to encouraging independence, biking can also help people feel connected to friends, family, and their community – particularly in a time when it’s far too easy to be disconnected. For kids and adults alike, one of the great pleasures of cycling is going with friends or discovering new friends as you bike around your city or neighborhood. It’s a perfect way to spend quality time and create everlasting memories.


3. Teaches the Importance of Physical Movement
   Starting the day with active movement, like bike riding, is beneficial for kids of all ages. For younger kids, riding a bike can help develop balance, coordination, and large motor skills. According to Science Daily, regular physical activity has shown to improve both mental health and physical health in pre-teens. Put simply, bike riding is healthy and wholesome fun for the whole family!


4. Regulates Mental and Emotional Well-Being
   Finding the perfect place to pedal can help children feel calmer and happier. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, biking lowers stress levels and stimulates the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormone.


5. Bike Riding Puts a Stop to Endless Scrolling
   It’s safe to say childhood has changed. In fact, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey, two-thirds of parents in the U.S. say parenting is tougher today than it was 20 years ago, with many citing technology as a major reason. From scrolling through social media to surfing the TV channels, children view ‘play’ as logging on and digitizing the weekend away. By encouraging outdoor play, such as biking, kids can experience the fun of traditional, outdoor, and physically active play. It gives everyone a chance to enjoy the outdoors and breathe fresh air.

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