Cycling with infants and toddlers

Cycling with a baby or toddler in a bike seat or a trailer

Cycling with a baby or toddler can open up new possibilities for everyday journeys, family adventures and spending time together.

But knowing where to start, choosing the right equipment and building confidence can often feel overwhelming.

That's why we've launched a new pilot programme to support families who are interested in cycling with young children.

The programme offers a range of opportunities to help you explore cycling with your infant or toddler at your own pace, including:

Family cycling equipment workshops led by family cycling experts
One-to-one cycle training to build confidence and practical skills
Equipment loans through participating bike libraries, allowing you to try before you buy

Whether you're just beginning to explore the idea of cycling with your infant or toddler or are ready to start riding with your child onboard, we're here to help you find a solution that works for your family, your lifestyle and the journeys you make every day.

Explore the opportunities below to find the support that's right for you.

Support for cycling with infants and toddlers

We're piloting a new programme designed to help families discover practical ways to cycle together. Through friendly advice, hands-on equipment demonstrations and opportunities to explore different options, we want to help parents and carers feel more confident about incorporating cycling into family life.

1. Equipment workshops

Thinking about cycling with your infant or toddler, but not sure what equipment might work for your family?

Our free Family Cycling Equipment Workshops are designed to help parents and carers explore the different ways of carrying young children by bike.

Delivered by family cycling experts, these friendly and informative sessions provide a welcoming space to learn, ask questions and discover practical solutions that could help make family cycling part of everyday life.

During the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to see and compare a range of family cycling equipment, including child seats and trailers, and learn about the benefits and practical considerations of different options. You'll hear real-world advice from people with experience of cycling with young children, gain practical tips, and have plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

Whether you're completely new to family cycling, carrying your child by bike or looking to better understand the options available, these sessions will help you feel more informed and confident about what might work for your family.

We are working with a range of community organisations and venues across Greater Manchester to deliver these sessions. Find your nearest bike library.

2. One-to-one cycle training with toddlers

Have you got your bike and child-carrying equipment sorted, but would still like to gain confidence in taking your baby or toddler out on a ride?

Our Family Cycling Training sessions are designed for parents and carers who are ready to start riding with their child onboard and would like support to build their skills, confidence and independence.

Working one-to-one with an experienced instructor, you'll receive personalised coaching based around your family's needs and the journeys you would like to make. Whether you're preparing for your first ride with your child, building confidence carrying extra weight and precious cargo, or looking for help planning routes away from busy traffic, we'll support you every step of the way.

Training takes place from your home or another agreed local location, allowing you to practise in familiar surroundings and build confidence on the routes that matter most to your family.

Sessions can begin with brushing up on your own cycling skills before introducing your child when you feel ready.

What you'll receive:

Up to three personalised two-hour sessions with an experienced instructor
Practical coaching to help you ride confidently with your child in a bike seat or trailer
Support with handling, manoeuvring and cycling with additional weight onboard
Help identifying quieter routes and planning family-friendly journeys
Opportunities to practise on real local roads, paths and cycle routes
Friendly encouragement and advice tailored to your family's goals

Book your cycle training: LINK

3. Borrow equipment through the bike library

Choosing family cycling equipment can feel like a big decision. Child seats, trailers and other equipment are often a significant investment, and it can be difficult to know what will work best for your family until you've had the chance to try it in real life.

That's why, following one of our Family Cycling Equipment Workshops, you'll have the opportunity to borrow selected equipment from a participating Bike Library for up to four weeks. This gives you time to see how the equipment fits into your family's everyday routines and discover what works for the journeys you want to make.

You can use the equipment with your own bike, or in some locations borrow a Bike Library bike alongside the equipment, giving you everything you need to get started.

Whether you're doing the nursery run, heading to the park, visiting friends or simply enjoying family rides together, the loan period allows you to build confidence and gain first-hand experience before deciding whether to invest in your own equipment.

Please note: Equipment loans are subject to availability and may vary between Bike Library locations.

We are working with a range of bike libraries across Greater Manchester to deliver these sessions.

Find your nearest location below:

Bolton - KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club Haslam Park Greenspace, Wigan Road, Bolton BL3 5QL

Manchester - Moston Cycling Club at No. 93 No 93 Wellbeing Centre, 93 Church Lane Harpurhey, Manchester, M9 5BG