Family Bicycle Travel Starts at Your Front Door

Family bike travel is on the rise. But many cyclists, and families in particular, are looking for touring options that will help them get out in spite of limited time and logistical challenges.

To reach this community of touring cyclists, Adventure Cycling Association launched bikeovernights.org to provide resources, inspiration, and route ideas for short bicycle tours. Of the 110 destination stories that have been posted on the site to date, roughly 25 percent are tagged as family rides.

Often, a quick bike overnight does not require a lot of lengthy travel. In many cases, trips can begin and end right at the front door. Consider these words from Elle Steele Bustamante:

“On this, our first overnighter, we rode up to Beal’s Point on Folsom Lake, about 30 miles from Sacramento. It was the first time bike camping with our little ones. Amazing! It’s great to know that there are adventures so close to home. Really, picture a nearby campground. You probably wouldn’t ever think to camp there as, let’s face it, your own bed is much more comfortable. However, getting there by bike with all your gear strapped to the back – that’s wonderfully worthwhile.”

A bike overnight is the ideal introduction to bicycle travel for young and old alike.