Make it a family event
First of all, you have to make cycling look appealing. If it’s your parents we are talking about, then chances are they would appreciate some quality time together and cycling can be just that. Taking a short family ride together can be a great starting place and something everyone can look forward to.
Talk to them about the health benefits
Once you get your parents interested in the prospect of getting on a bicycle or even taking that first ride with you, you can increase the chances they will stick with it by citing some of the health benefits. Studies have shown time and again that regular exercise is great at reducing the risk of many serious modern-day diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and several neurodegenerative diseases. Regular cycling has been shown to improve mental health too. And the best part is that you can start cycling in virtually any age, it’s easy on the joints, doesn’t require you to be fit, and you don’t have to sign up for any classes.
Offer foldable bikes as an option
Another great benefit of bicycles is the freedom they can give you. Cycling is the fastest means of transport in cities and it allows you to explore a much larger area compared to just taking walks. And foldable bikes offer the most freedom. They are very easy to mount and dismount and they always give the option of stopping, folding the bike, and taking public transport back home. It’s also much more convenient to commute on a foldable bike as you can take it into your office and not worry about a parking spot.
Explain how to go for a ride safely
Make sure to let your parents know that it’s okay to have a little anxiety at first and that it will pass. Take the time to recap basic safety on the road and even on a bike path so they know what to expect. Let them try a bicycle before heading out and go over the breaking, shifting, and any questions they might have. And start small. It’s important that the first experience they have feels safe, fun, and not exhausting.
Suggest they try e-bikes
If the main complaint is that they are too old for cycling, feel out of shape or wouldn’t have the endurance to ride anywhere interesting, then you should pull out the trump card – e-bikes. With electronic-motor bicycles, they don’t have to fear hills or running out of energy far from home. They can keep riding even on days when they don’t feel like pedalling – and it’s still an exercise! With an e-bike, they will be always able to stay active and participate in family rides.
