How do you cycle safely with your children?

Enjoy a fun day out with your children on your bike. In the fresh air and with the wind in your hair. There's nothing more fun than exploring the area together. But how do you ensure it's both fun and safe? With a child in front, perhaps on the back, and plenty of luggage to carry? How do you get your most prized possessions and other luggage safely from A to B? We're happy to provide you with the best tips!

1. Child Seats
   Until they're about four years old, you'll mainly have children riding with you on your bike. Until then, most children often can't (yet) ride a bike on their own. Child seats can be mounted on almost all bikes. When your child can sit upright independently for a longer period of time, they're ready to ride along on your bike. This is usually around 9 months. Pay close attention to what your little one can handle and maintain. The very youngest go in the front seat.
   
   If you're expecting a second child, or if your child is outgrowing the front seat, they can move to the rear seat. Front seats can carry a weight of up to 15 kilos.
   
   Would you like advice on the right child seats? Your local bike shop can provide you with the right advice.
   
   
2. A good bike
   Most "regular" bicycles can accommodate a child seat. But not every bicycle is equally comfortable and suitable as a family bike. A family bike is specially designed to carry children and extra luggage. We have the Batavus Mambo family bike in our collection. This bike is designed with your needs as a parent in mind. The extra features and options of this family bike:

   Extra space between the handlebars and saddle: this ensures easy and safe mounting and dismounting. Ideal with a front seat.
   A two-legged kickstand and handlebar lock: the two-legged kickstand combined with the handlebar lock keeps your bike extra stable, even with extra weight. This makes loading and unloading children and luggage easy. Note: never walk away from the bike when your child(ren) are on it.
   Carrying extra weight: this bike is extra sturdy and therefore suitable for carrying extra weight. Up to 150 kilos for the entire bike and 35 kilos for the rear carrier alone. Extender: This bike can be optionally upgraded with an extender. This extra-long rack provides space for a child seat and even more room for an extra pannier.

   And don't forget the front basket. Ideal for bags, groceries, and anything else you might want to take with you. And don't forget: the dynamic ViZi lighting ensures you're always clearly visible. This light automatically switches to "high beam" in dark weather or at night. This way, you're optimally visible to others and see more, without even having to think about it.
   
   

3. Make sure you have a helmet.
   It's not yet mandatory in the Netherlands, but more and more parents are choosing to have their children wear helmets on their bikes. In the event of a fall, their heads are well-protected. Even the very youngest children can wear helmets.
   
   
4. Want to take even more luggage?
   
   Then a cargo bike might be just what you need.

   Are you looking for even more luggage space or do you want to transport more children? Then a cargo bike is ideal for you. Depending on the age of your children, you can attach a Maxi-Cosi holder, baby seat, or extra cushions to the cargo bike. The box offers space for even more luggage.

   The Batavus collection includes two cargo bikes. These electric cargo bikes have been carefully developed, focusing on safety, comfort, and appropriate accessories so that the cargo bike is perfectly suited to you as a parent.

   Two-wheeled Batavus Fier 2 cargo bike: This cargo bike offers space for two children (a baby and an older child, or two older children) and extra luggage. The Fier 2 cargo bike has a load capacity of up to 80 kilos.
   Three-wheeled Batavus Fier 3 cargo bike: This cargo bike can accommodate up to four children. The Fier 3 has a load capacity of up to 100 kilos.

   The box is nice and high and features a safety rail for an extra safe ride. You're clearly visible with this cargo bike thanks to a bright front headlight and a V-light at the rear.

   Want to know more about our family bike, cargo bike, or have another question? Your local Batavus bike shop can help. They'll provide personalized advice to help you find the bike that best suits your needs.