5 Tips for Brilliant Autumn Family Bike Rides
The evenings are drawing in and we’re digging out our warmer layers and waterproofs to keep on cycling!
Autumn can be one of the best times for family cycling. The air is crisp and cool, the trees are putting on their annual colour show, and there's something magical about crunching through fallen leaves on two wheels.
Here are 5 tips to help you and your family make the most of autumn cycling.
1. Give Your Bikes Some Love ❤️
Autumn weather can often mean rain! But with a little bike TLC, wet weather riding can still be brilliant fun.
Quick checks to keep you rolling:
Tyres: Give them a squeeze—they should feel firm. Good tread means better grip.
Brakes: A quick test squeeze before every ride. If they feel spongy, time to adjust them or visit your local bike shop.
Chain: After wet or muddy rides, wipe it down and add a drop of bike lubricant. We like GT85 multi-purpose spray. DON’T FORGET: Spray away from brake pads and discs and rims.
Quick win: Keep an old towel handy to wipe down muddy bikes after rides!
2. Light Up and Be Seen 💡
As the days get shorter, being visible becomes really important—but it doesn't have to be boring!
You need a white light on the front and a red light on the back. It's the law between sunset and sunrise, and it keeps your family safe.
Modern bike lights don’t have to be expensive. Add some reflective bits to bags or clothing, and you're sorted.
Top tip: Reflective ankle bands work brilliantly for making children more visible.
3. Dress Like an Onion (Layers!) 🧅
The trick to comfortable autumn cycling? Layers. You can always take something off if you get warm!
The simple formula:
Base layer - keeps you dry
Mid layer - keeps you warm
Outer layer - waterproof jacket
Add gloves and a neck warmer on chilly mornings. Don't worry about feeling a bit cold at the start—you'll warm up within minutes of pedalling!
Parent tip: Keep spare gloves in your bag. Dry backup gloves are heroes!
4. Plan Ahead (Just a Little!) 🌦
Shorter daylight hours just need a bit of clever planning—no stress!
Quick wins:
Check sunset times and aim to be home before dark
Stick to routes you know well
Have a quick look at the weather forecast
Watch out for wet leaves—they're surprisingly slippery!
Weekend tip: Autumn mornings are perfect for a family ride before lunch!
5. Turn Rides into Adventures 🍁
This is where autumn cycling really shines! The changing season offers endless opportunities for fun.
Try these ideas:
Scavenger hunts: Challenge kids to spot different coloured leaves, acorns, or conkers
Wildlife watching: Count squirrels dashing about collecting food
Puddle splashing: Find the biggest puddle and make a spectacular splash!
Hot chocolate missions: Ride to a local café for the ultimate autumn treat
You're getting fresh air, exercise, and quality family time all rolled into one. Plus, children who cycle regularly develop confidence and independence that lasts a lifetime.
Family bike rides are a great way to have focused time with your kids without the distraction of a mobile phone (for everyone!)
Why We Love Autumn Cycling
At Pedal Power Training, we're passionate about getting families cycling—whatever the season. Autumn brings gorgeous crisp air, spectacular colours, and the satisfaction of puddle splashing!
We believe cycling is brilliant for three simple reasons: it's good for your health, great for the environment, and it saves you money.
Through our cycle training, we help children and adults build the skills and confidence to enjoy cycling safely. If your child's school offers cycle training, we'd love to welcome them. And if you're a parent who'd like to feel more confident cycling, get in touch—we work with all ages and abilities.
3 Routes We Love (zero roads)
Southsea Promenade, Portsmouth runs for about 4.5km, from Long Curtain Moat to Eastney Esplanade, offering wonderful views of the Solent and plenty of places along the way to stop for a drink or something to eat
Fleming Park, Eastleigh is great fun for families - loop as much or as little as you like. And there’s a perfect pitstop at the Pavilion on the Park cafe. It’s also the home of Cycles4All who are specialists in adaptive cycles so everyone can enjoy getting out and about on wheels.
Hayling Billy Cycle Trail, there is a 5 mile loop that’s all off road and perfect for family cycling (and one of Donna’s favourites too). You could even get the ferry over from Eastney to start the trail, there’s a great cafe on the Hayling side too.
Get Out There and Enjoy!
Don't let autumn weather keep your family indoors. With the right preparation and a positive attitude, autumn can be one of the most beautiful times to cycle together.
Remember: you don't need perfect weather for a perfect ride. Some of the best family cycling memories happen on drizzly afternoons with rosy cheeks, muddy wheels, and big smiles.
So grab those warm layers and waterproofs, pump up those tyres, and head out for an autumn adventure!
