Family Rides -Portland Bicycling Club

Family Rides

During warmer months, May-September, the Club offers rides that are potentially family friendly, depending on the age and skill level of your child. Look for rides billed as ‘Slow Poke’ rides for the child or teen who is skilled on a 2-wheeler and is comfortable riding on urban streets with adults.  These rides are typically between 15 and 20 miles in length and average 10-13 MPH on flat terrain. These rides include a rest stop at a café. The ‘Double-S rides’ (slow and short) are great for riders 8 yrs. and older (no training wheels) or younger children on tag-alongs, tandems, in cargo box bikes, in trailers, or in bike-mounted child carriers. These rides will typically be 5-10 miles in length and may include stops along the way at parks, notable sites, trees, outdoor art, and maybe a bakery, ice cream, or candy store, depending on the interests of the riders. The speed of the ride will be the speed of the slowest participant, but anticipate speeds of at least 8-10 MPH, which is reported to be the average speed most school-aged children can ride 2-wheelers. All children must be accompanied by a parent or other legal guardian.  Every rider must wear a helmet. Also, be certain your child has the listening skills needed to bicycle with others on low traffic roads and multi-use shared paths.

New to cycling with your child?  Before attending one of our rides, we recommend short practice family rides and that you check out websites with tips on riding with kids.

Portland Family Biking Guide by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT)

Bicycle Safety Tips for Parents, Guardians, and Children by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration

Fitting a helmet by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration

Oregon Bicyclist Manual prepared and published by ODOT’s Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Program