Cycling with children on the coast. What is the best approach? Which bike for which child, how long will they last, and which routes are feasible?
Those are the questions that this blog answers.
We have been renting bikes to families in Zandvoort and Bloemendaal aan Zee for years, so we have seen it all.
Below you can read which bike combination suits which age, which routes are feasible with children, and what is best to bring along.
Table of contents:
- Which bike suits which age?
- Short routes with young children
- A little further afield: out and about with children aged eight and up
- The go-kart route in Bloemendaal
- Practical on the go
- Frequently Asked Questions
Which bike suits which age?
The choice depends mainly on age and what a child can handle on their own. For you as parents, the practical question is: who cycles independently, who sits on the back, and who sits in front. A few typical combinations.
A child aged 0 to 2 sits on the back in a child seat. Available at both our locations. The child sits safely, you simply keep cycling, and you remain in control. This works up to approximately 22 kilos.
Two young children often fit together in an electric cargo bike. We have them in Zandvoort and Bloemendaal aan Zee. The advantage: you have both of them in sight, you have room for coats, drinks, and belongings, and you hardly notice the weight thanks to the electric assistance. Ideal for longer rides.
Children from the age of six can already cycle well on their own, provided they have experience and the route is not too busy. We have children's bikes in two sizes: 20 inches for younger children, and 24 inches for slightly older ones. Available at both locations.
Teenagers take their own bikes. A standard city bike with gears works fine for that. If you really want to ride through the dunes at speed, a fat bike (Zandvoort only) or e-bike might be interesting.
Event venues
Short routes with young children
With children under six, a short ride is the smartest idea. Not because they won't have fun, but because after an hour of intense looking out for you and excitement for them, it's time to call it a day.
A logical loop from our Zandvoort location: towards the boulevard, along the beach to Bloemendaal aan Zee, grab an ice cream or fries there, and back. Clearly signposted, little car traffic along the bike path, and suitable for both a child seat and a cargo bike. Allow one and a half to two hours, including a stop.
From our Bloemendaal location, you can take the coastal path towards Zandvoort (in reverse), or a shorter loop through the dunes. Easy to follow, no busy roads.
A little further afield: out and about with children aged eight and up
From around the age of eight, children who cycle regularly can handle considerable distances. Twenty to twenty-five kilometers is then a feasible day, provided there are breaks and the route is not too challenging.
A beautiful afternoon route: Zandvoort, Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, Overveen, and back along a different road. The park has beautiful paths through the dunes, you pass a pancake house, and the elevation changes make it challenging without becoming strenuous. A city bike with gears is sufficient, while an e-bike makes it more comfortable for the parent.
For a trip to Haarlem: easily doable from Zandvoort in about 25 minutes one way. In Haarlem, a stroll through the city center, a terrace on the Grote Markt, and back again. Half a day's work. Nice and comfortable for the parent with a fatbike or e-bike.
Event venues
The go-kart route in Bloemendaal
Do you have very young children who don't ride a bike themselves yet, but do want to steer? We rent out go-karts at our location in Bloemendaal aan Zee. Two sizes: small go-kart for children up to about six, large go-kart for ages six and up. There is also a two-person version.
A go-kart works best on a quiet, short route. Not to cover kilometers, but to give children the feeling that they are driving themselves. There is plenty of space for this right alongside our Bloemendaal location. So don't expect a real bike ride here, but rather a play session.
Practical on the go
A few things that make the difference.
- A helmet on the head of a child cycling independently is not a luxury. You can rent helmets separately from us at both locations. We certainly recommend them for children.
- Bring plenty of water and something to eat. On the Dutch coast, it can get warmer than you expect, especially in the dunes.
- A raincoat in your bag is not an unnecessary luxury, even with blue skies in the morning. Coastal weather changes quickly.
- Plan to stop somewhere every 30 to 45 minutes, for example at an ice cream cart, on the beach, or in a park.
- Don't underestimate how long a cycling day with children takes. When planning your ride, comfortably factor in an extra half hour for stops, for "I need to pee," and for that one child who gets tired.
Frequently Asked Questions
From what age can a child ride a rental bike independently?
In principle from age five to six, provided the child has experience and cycles on a quiet road. Our 20-inch children's bikes work for children from approximately 5 to 8, the 24-inch for 8 to 12. Both locations.
Can I rent a child seat together with a bicycle?
Yes, the child seat is a separate rental for mounting on top of a bicycle. Available at both locations. Up to approximately 22 kilograms of child body weight.
Is insurance included in the price?
For city bikes and children's bikes, you are often covered for normal use. For special bikes, such as an e-bike or fat bike, we may discuss additional insurance when making a reservation.
Do the bikes come with helmets?
You can rent helmets separately from us at both locations. We especially recommend them for children.
From what age is a go-kart suitable?
Our small go-karts are suitable up to approximately six years old, the large go-karts from six. There is also a two-person version. Only in Bloemendaal aan Zee.
How far in advance do I need to book during the high season?
In July and August, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Outside of the high season, there is usually sufficient stock.
Personal advice
Not sure what suits your family composition? Drop by our Zandvoort or Bloemendaal location or give us a call. We are happy to advise you on the smartest option for your combination, look at the weather and the planned day together, and make sure everything is ready.