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Get on the road to cycle around South Africa!

Cycling for Kids

Cycling is a fun activity that both boys and girls can participate in.  In South Africa there are many ways kids can get involved in cycling both competitively and for leisure.

The type of competitions they can take part in are:

  • track cycling, that takes place in a velodrome
  • road cycling, outdoors on the road
  • mountain biking and BMX., off road over rough terrain

All have different rules, equipment  and develop different physical strength (track cycling developing speed and muscular tonicity, mountain biking more endurance and agility) but are obviously the same original sport.

Get on the road to cycle around South Africa! Get on the road to cycle around South Africa!

A video of Cycling for Kids

Learning to ride a bike can take weeks or even months of practice. But one nonprofit group is offering a class that uses an unusual method to teach kids to ride ... in as little as 15 minutes.

Information on Cycling for Kids in South Africa

Cycling is one of the most popular kids’ activities in South Africa – it could be perfect for your kids!

Some of its benefits include:

  • Increased fitness, especially endurance and lower muscular development (thighs, calves)
  • Increased self-confidence by taking part in competitions and reaching a team or single objective
  • Learning to work in a team
  • Learning sports strategies
  • A greater appreciation of the outdoors
  • The enjoyment of competing in races or cycling for leisure with friends

Kids can compete in cycling events and competitions from the age of five or younger depending on the type of cycling it is.

Get your kids started!

Biker clubs provide coaching for children and adults.  You may want to seek one in your area, by browsing through our Active Activities directory.

Many clubs offer coaching in both track and road cycling.  Track cycling equipment includes:

  • a track bike,
  • a helmet,
  • Sometimes glasses, to protect from the wind in your eyes
  • cycling shoes ,
  • a tight stretchy outfit for competing. 

Road cycling equipment includes:

  • a road bike,
  • helmet,
  • road cycling shoes

Track cycling can be done all year round.  Road racing usually runs from autumn till spring. When it gets wet, it can get really dangerous and slippery due to the thin wheels.
Kids as young as 3 can join a mountain biking club.  They’ll need:

  • a mountain bike,
  • gloves,
  • glasses,
  • flexible sports shoes. 

Fees vary from around R35 to R50.  Mountain biking can be done all year round.

Many BMX clubs have Sprocket Rocket divisions for kids under the age of 8 that focus on developing their skills.  To join they’ll need a 20 inch or 24 inch BMX bike, gloves, full face helmet, and closed toe shoes.  Membership fees range from R75 to R100.
While getting your kids to start a sport, you must always consider the risks that are inherent to this sport and make sure your kids understand them well.

To be more specific, track cycling is a matter of speed. It is easy to fall and hurt yourself. Make sure your kids have a good quality helmet. Road Cycling can be dangerous as you are cycling riding alongside cars. Make sure you are visible and try to avoid cycling when it is raining and at night, but if you do, make sure you have front and back lights. p>

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