Cycling is a fantastic way to spend quality time together while helping the whole family stay active.
Whether it’s a weekend adventure, a ride to the park or cycling to school, getting out on two wheels is a fun way to explore Lincolnshire, enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories.
You don’t have to plan a long bike ride to enjoy the benefits. Even short journeys to the local shops, school or a nearby playground can help children build confidence, develop healthy habits and reduce the need to use the car. It’s great for your health, your wallet and the environment too.
Family cycling looks different for everyone, and there’s no right or wrong place to begin.
If your children are new to cycling, start somewhere traffic-free such as a local park, quiet path or dedicated cycle trail where they can practise balancing, steering and braking without the pressure of traffic.
As their confidence grows, you can gradually introduce quiet roads before progressing to busier routes when they’re ready.
Lincolnshire has plenty of traffic-free and family-friendly cycling routes that are perfect for building confidence.
There are lots of ways to enjoy cycling before children are ready to ride independently.
Depending on their age and ability, you could use:
If you’re buying a new bike or fitting a child seat, speak to your local bike shop for advice. They’ll be able to recommend the safest option for your family and ensure everything is fitted correctly.
Whether you’re looking for a short adventure with younger children or a longer ride with more confident cyclists, Lincolnshire has plenty of routes to explore.
Here are a few suggestions of routes to try:
The water railway is a purpose built trail linking Lincoln to Boston, with a range of artwork along it.
It follows the River Witham, from Lincoln to Boston. The mostly traffic-free off road route is ideal for cycling with children. The full route is over 15 miles, but you can pick a section along the way.
Please note the section between Lincoln and Washingborough is closed for improvements until 31 October.
This British Cycling risk assessed route, follows the flat cycle path alongside the Fossdyke canal, near Lincoln, travelling between two pubs.
There are boats and birds to spot along the way and it goes under and over bridges.
Enjoy 3 miles of flat, surfaced bridleway along the mide-section of the old Horncastle to Woodhall Juntion railway line and part of the Horncastle Canal.
Starting at Kennel Lane, just over the road from Doddington Hall, the Georgie Twigg Track provides a wide smooth traffic free cycle route that is a great option for younger children.
For families looking for more of a challenge, the Georgie Twigg Track links Doddington Hall to National Cycle Network Route 64, a largely flat route running from Lincoln to Bingham in Nottinghamshire.
Willingham Woods is a peaceful place for families who want a woodland setting and a ride that can be as short or as relaxed as you need. Wide forest tracks make it a useful confidence-building option for children who are still getting used to cycling.
Take a step (or pedal in the right direction and join Cycle to School Week, 5 – 9 October 2026.
From Monday 5 to Friday 9 October 2026 school and families are encouraged to take a new route to the school gate. Whether you’re already rolling or just getting started, the week is all about building confidence, trying something new and discovering how good the school run can feel on wheels.
Find organisations offering advice on getting started cycling for children, young people and families.
Take a look at these videos for practical advice to help young children to learn to ride and develop their cycling skills in a fun and engaging way.
Let’s Ride by British Cycling helps you enjoy cycling with free guided rides, family-friendly routes and local cycling groups. Find rides near you and build confidence on two wheels.
Cycling UK’s family cycling web pages are packed with tips and advice. From cycling to school, to choosing the right size bike for your child.
Bikeability gives children and adults the skills and confidence to cycle safely on today’s roads. Find local training courses and learn how to ride with confidence, wherever you’re heading.
Find advice on supporting children to cycle safely, and teaching them about raod safety.
The Go Ride programme is offered by registered clubs. Sessions provide coaching activity for children, alongside friendly competition. They cover multiple cycle disciplines (road, track, mountain bike, BMX, cyclo cross).
