James tells us the joys of cycling as a family

James lives in Rodley with his partner, Emma and two daughters, Annie who’s three and Penny, who’s ten months old. The couple had a passion for cycling before having children and have now passed this on to Annie who likes nothing more than going for a family cycle. We talked to James on his local stretch of canal as he told us all about where they like to cycle together and the many great benefits it’s given them all.

Audio-described (AD) version

Why did you want Annie to learn to cycle? 

I wanted to encourage Annie to ride a bike at such a young age because of all the benefits. It gave her something to focus on other than playing in the living room or being on a tablet. With all the many benefits of being outside, I thought it would be really beneficial for her and it meant we would be able to all go out as a family. When we're all riding, she has a massive beam on her face. She loves us all being able to go out together.

 

How often do you go cycling together? 

We cycle as often as we can. We try and use the car as little as possible. Whenever we get the opportunity and it's nice weather, then we'll all go and enjoy cycling as a family.

 

Where do you cycle as a family? 

This is our local stretch of canal. We use this quite a lot. It's nice and quiet and no fast traffic or fast cyclists around. When we can, we will go out cycling together as a family on a weekend. We cycle from the doorstep to the shops and to the cafes using the towpath and the quiet segregated cycle paths.

We also have trips out. We've been to Leeds Urban Bike Park and had a play around the pump track there. We've also been up into Otley Chevin for a ride to experience riding through the forest.

We used to go to nursery with her in the cycle carrier. Now she's a bit too old for that, but still too young to cycle on the road. We do go as far as we can and then we meet her with the bike. Her little face lights up when she gets the opportunity to ride her bike back home with mummy and daddy.

When we can, we will go out cycling together as a family on a weekend. We cycle from the doorstep to the shops and to the cafes using the towpath and the quiet segregated cycle paths.

What have been the benefits of cycling as a family? 

As well as the health benefits there is being outdoors as there's so much nature and wildlife around here. Annie and Penny, the smallest one, absolutely love seeing the ducks, the horses at the side of the road and the dogs. We often use it as a little nature trip. You wouldn’t believe the amount of times Annie stops to look at bugs and worms! 

She absolutely loves it. It's an excuse to be outside without them realizing it. We all enjoy the fresh air, the headspace, the exercise and the views. Plus, we’re getting from A to B with it costing as little as possible. It’s a win, win really.

  

So, you’d agree cycling has been a positive experience? 

Cycling has had a positive impact on our family because we all love cycling. Me and Emma were keen cyclists and would go off mountain biking together before we had kids. The fact that we've been able to introduce our children to it as well and we get so much enthusiasm from them at such a young age means that it's something we can keep doing as a family and continue to reap the benefits.

 

Would you recommend cycling? 

It's such a good thing for others to partake in from a health point of view. And from a cost point of view, I don't think it really costs that much to get a bike nowadays. There are so many good schemes out there to help you to get a second-hand bike. 

The benefits of being able to commute on a bike are great. There are a lots more segregated cycle paths now which allow you to cycle a lot safer than you used to be able to. And then there are the health benefits - you're exercising without realizing it.

There’s also the enjoyment of getting out into the countryside, using the towpaths, and seeing nature. It's great. Go for it. Don't be afraid of cycling and learning to cycle. It's easier than it looks.  

Read our other stories

  1. Patrice tells us of her new-found love for cycling

    We talked to Patrice from Linthwaite in Kirklees, who has recently learned to ride a bike with the help of one of the many groups teaching cycling across Yorkshire. Now, she loves nothing more than jumping on her bike - whether it’s popping down to the shops, a trip with her new cycling group, or a day out with the family enjoying the beautiful scenery along the local canal.

  2. Mae uses the MCard mobile app for bus journeys

    Using an MCard ticket is a great way to travel across West Yorkshire by bus or train. MCard tickets are great value, can be used for unlimited journeys on any service or operator and can be bought on the user-friendly MCard Mobile app. As you’ll see in this interview with 18-year-old Mae from Horsforth, who uses the MCard mobile app for bus journeys, having it gives you the freedom to travel your way.

  3. Belle shares why walking means so much to her

    We talked to Belle from Gilstead, Bradford who is visually impaired and has spent her whole life enjoying Yorkshire on foot. She shares her love for walking with us and how it has changed her life for the better.

  5. Daoud tells us about the freedom of cycling around Leeds

    Daoud is 29 years old and has lived in Leeds for the last 10 years. In June 2023, he moved to Armley. He goes everywhere with his bike using it for his daily commute into work, as well as for his everyday needs. He tells us a bit about why cycling is the best way to get around for him and why you should give it a go.

  6. Duncan tells us how he's taken the stress out of the school run

    Meet Duncan, a stay-at-home dad from Todmoden who cares for his four children aged 12, nine, two and seven-months old. Originally from the South, he moved up to Yorkshire for work and now calls it home. He tells us all about why he prefers to walk to school every day and how it’s improved everyone’s life.

  7. Ann tells us how she's lifting spirits with a good walk

    Ann is a self-proclaimed Yorkshire lass. Originally from Bradford, she now lives near Oakwell Country Park in Birstall. She shares her love of walking and how she’s using the power of going for a stroll to help others boost their mental health.