“We’ve had the best times riding around the neighborhood and also riding to the parks and enjoying time as a family,” says Steve Breininger, manager of Cycle Sport and Fitness in Mentor, about biking with his children and grandchildren. “It’s an activity that anybody can enjoy.”

Mark Huss, owner of Red’s Bicycle Sales & Repair in Eastlake, says cyclists tend to be “at ease” from the sense of well-being they experience when endorphins are released during a ride.  Families can bike together without pitting one member against another, he says, which adds to that tranquil feeling.

“You’re mostly competing with yourself to do your personal best,” he says.  “It’s also an activity that’s healthy.  You’re getting exercise away from the computer and Xbox and PlayStation.”

Adds Matthew Schieferstein, sales manager at Mountain Road Cycles in Chagrin Falls, “It’s an accessible sport and there are not many restrictions on it.  It can be as easy or as hard as you want it to be based on where you’re riding and what your goals are.”

The health benefits are many.  It’s a low-impact pursuit, so joints aren’t pounded relentlessly like they are during a run.  That doesn’t mean cycling is a passive activity.  On the contrary, pedaling gets the heart pumping and climbing hills helps build strength, endurance and lean muscle mass.  Riding outdoors on sunny days exposes riders to vitamin D, which, in tandem with endorphins, promotes cheerfulness.  Many cyclists ride in groups, which reinforces relationships and can, in some cases, ease or alleviate symptoms of depression.  And, because many bikers enter community rides that support health-based charities, cyclists may be contributing funds to research that eventually leads to curing debilitating diseases and disorders.

Bicycling is considered a low-risk sport, but it’s still important for you and your children to take precautions.  Accidents, injuries and illnesses can and do happen, but you can minimize the chances of a ride in the park turning into a ride in an ambulance by following some basic guidelines. Breininger, Huss and Schieferstein offer these recommendations: