For Kingsnorth resident Jennifer Hazlehurst and her family, cycling is more than just a way to stay active, it’s become a way to spend quality time together, build the kids’ confidence, and enjoy the outdoors as a family.
Jennifer, her husband and two children, aged nine and six, have been cycling together since the children were very young. Starting with balance bikes at just two years old, both children transitioned naturally to pedal bikes, no stabilisers needed.
Jennifer said: “They loved it from the start. We took the bikes everywhere; from the park to the nursery run...and they just took off from there. When it comes to weekend rides, we tend to choose routes with dedicated cycle paths and off-road sections wherever possible.
“Cycling has brought more than just health benefits, it’s helped my children grow in independence too. It’s given them more confidence being around roads and helped them build up a sense of road safety. They also enjoy going further distances now, exploring and seeing new places.”
While the family enjoys cycling together at weekends and during school holidays, Jennifer says that walking or scootering often feels like the safer and more practical choice for the school run.
“The route to school involves crossing busy roads, and walking or scootering gives us a bit more control over the journey. It’s not always ideal for cycling, especially with younger children, so we tend to save our bike rides for weekends when we can enjoy quieter, more relaxed routes.”
For families considering cycling, Jennifer highlights the benefits of starting early with balance bikes and choosing second-hand options for bikes as children grow. As their confidence builds, cycling becomes a fun and accessible way to spend time together as a family, particularly when there’s a café or a well-earned rest stop involved.