Biking is one of my favorite forms of exercise and it can be a great way to spend time as a family. Read on for tips, tricks, and my 5 favorite trails for family bike rides in the Burgh.
5 Benefits of Biking for Children and Their Families:
Physical Fitness- Biking promotes cardiovascular health and builds muscle strength.
Coordination and Balance- Biking enhances motor skills and coordination.
Mental Health- Biking can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-esteem.
Social Skills- Riding with friends encourages teamwork and communication.
Independence- Biking fosters a sense of freedom and responsibility as children learn to navigate their environment.
5 Tips for Safe Bike Riding:
Wear Proper Safety Gear- Both children and adults should wear properly fitting helmets with the chin strap buckled. Wearing bright colors or reflective materials can also help make bikers more visible on the trail or road.
Check Bike Fit and Function- Make sure the bike is the right size for the child; they should be able to touch the ground with their feet. Perform regular maintenance checks on brakes, tires, and chains.
Know the Route and Environment- Choose safe, low-traffic areas for riding, especially for younger children. Whenever possible, use bike paths or designated lanes. Teach children to obey traffic signals and signs.
Stay Together, Group Riding- If biking as a family or with friends, stay together and communicate. Encourage children to ride with friends for added safety.
Teach Awareness- Remind all bike riders to be aware of their surroundings, including pedestrians and other cyclists. Encourage children to stay focused and avoid using phones or listening to music while riding.
My 5 Favorite Bike Trails in the Burgh:
Montour Trail- I recommend parking at Valley Brook Road/Route 19 and riding west (towards mile marker 30 and descending mile markers). This part of the trail goes through a tunnel, over a scenic bridge, and can include a stop for ice cream at The Tandem Connection (mile marker 27).
Southside/Carson Street to Riverfront Trail- I recommend parking at Southside Riverfront Park and riding East on the Eliza Furnace Trail. You will ride past Southside Works. I then cross the Hot Metal Bridge (by American Eagle Outfitters). Once over the bridge, take a left and ride west to Point State Park. If you continue around The Point, the trail will lead to the Strip District where we like to stop for treat at the Terminal Market.
Panhandle Trail- I recommend starting at "The Rock Quarry" (110 Noblestown Rd, Collier Township). The trail only goes in one direction from this parking lot. There are restaurants (Helicon Brewing) along the trail.
Southside Works to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail- I like to park at Southside Works by Costco. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail can be taken west (past Sandcastle) and will connect with the Eliza Furnace Trail and go into the city or Southside/Carson Street. Or The Three Rivers Trail can be taken east and you can ride all the way to Kennywood at see the Thunderbolt roller coaster from the trail.
Millvale Riverfront Park to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail- I park at the Millvale Riverfront Park by the Three Rivers Rowing Boathouse and take the Three Rivers Heritage Trail west towards the city. This trail will go along the North Shore of Pittsburgh past PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium.
I hope to see you and your family out on the trails! ~Dr. Loboda
Biked to the Strip District for an Acai Bowl mid-ride
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