Tandems for Families: Riding Together at Every Age and Ability

Please click on the Families_Camping link to find out more, about the joys of camping in the company of other families

Cycling is often seen as a solo activity, but tandems turn it into something much better: shared movement, shared confidence, and shared pleasure.

For families with children—from toddlers to teenagers—and for families that include disabled children, tandems offer a simple, inclusive way to ride together and actually enjoy it.

Why Tandems Work So Well for Families

1. Everyone Stays Together

Anyone who’s tried a family bike ride knows how quickly things can fall apart—someone races ahead, someone gets tired, someone gives up. Tandems solve that instantly. Parents and children ride as one team, sharing the effort and the pace. No chasing, no stress, no one left behind.

2. Confidence for Young Riders

For younger children, tandems are a brilliant way to get into cycling:

  • They can pedal without worrying about balance or traffic
  • They pick up rhythm and coordination naturally
  • They feel safe knowing a trusted adult is in control

It’s relaxed, pressure-free, and fun—and that confidence often carries over when they later ride on their own.

3. Growing With Your Child

Tandems grow with families:

  • Younger children may start as passengers or gentle pedalers
  • Older children and teens can add real power
  • Teenagers often enjoy the teamwork and shared responsibility

Instead of “outgrowing” family cycling, many teens actually reconnect with it on a tandem.

Tandems and Disabled Children

Tandems can be life-changing for families with disabled children. By removing barriers like balance, coordination, or decision-making in traffic, tandems make cycling accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable. Everyone rides the same bike, shares the same journey, and reaches the same destination together.

A Different Way to Ride

Tandems flip the idea that cycling has to be fast, competitive, or individual. Instead, they’re about cooperation, patience, laughter, and shared momentum. For many families—especially those juggling extra challenges—that can turn cycling from something stressful into something joyful.

Whether you’re riding with a curious five-year-old, a reluctant teenager, or a disabled child who deserves full access to the outdoors, tandems make one simple promise:

No one is left behind.
Together, you ride further.

And most importantly… it’s fun. 🚲😊

Want to know more? Drop me an email ( martin.hook@gmx.com ) or better still, come and join us at our Somerset 7-day National Tandem Event in August!

There’ll be plenty of games, laughter, and family fun—plus lots of tandem riding with other families. It’s a brilliant way to give it a try, meet lovely people, and make some great memories together. 🚲✨

Annual subscription for Member and partner is £15 per year.  Why not today? Welcome to the Club.

Martin