Riding with kids in winter: lights, clothes and rain gear

In Brussels it is dark before 17:30 in December, the cobbles are wet and the wind bites. Still, many families keep riding all winter – and kids often love it more than adults. With the right lights, clothes and a bit of preparation, the school run by bike stays safe and fun. Here is what we recommend in the shop.

1. Be seen: lights and reflectors

• Lights are compulsory when it's dark or visibility is poor: white or yellow at the front, red at the back, plus reflectors. On a cargo bike or with a trailer, check that the rear light is not hidden by the box or the child seat.
• Choose bright, rechargeable lights and keep a small spare in your bag. A light on the helmet adds height, so drivers see you sooner.
• Kids need to be seen too: a reflective vest or a reflective band on the arm and backpack makes a big difference, especially when they ride their own bike.

See our lights, including Lumos helmets with built-in lights and Reflective Berlin reflectors.

2. Dress in layers, not in one thick coat

• Kids in a cargo box or child seat don't move, so they get cold much faster than you. Give them one extra layer, a warm hat under the helmet, gloves and a blanket or footmuff.
• Kids who ride themselves warm up quickly: a thin base layer, a fleece and a waterproof jacket work better than a ski jacket.
• Hands and feet first: waterproof gloves and warm socks are the best investment for a happy winter ride.

3. Stay dry: rain covers and rain gear

• A rain cover for the cargo box turns a rainy morning into a cosy one. Most cargo brands make a tent that fits their box; we can tell you which one fits your bike.
• For child seats, a seat cover keeps the seat dry when the bike is parked outside.
• For you: a rain poncho or rain trousers and overshoes, and mudguards on every bike.

Browse our weather protection and child transport accessories.

4. A 10-minute winter check

• Brakes: wet rims and discs brake later. Check pads and cables.
• Tyres: a little less pressure gives more grip on wet cobbles and tram rails. Cross tram rails at a sharp angle.
• Chain: rain and road salt wash out the oil. Clean and oil it every two weeks.
• E-bike battery: batteries lose range in the cold. Store and charge the battery indoors, and put it on the bike just before you leave.

Not sure? Book a full winter service in our workshop online, Tuesday to Saturday. See exactly what we check in winter service: what our workshop checks.

5. Make it fun

Choose a route through a park instead of the busiest road, count the Christmas lights on the way, and in November join the Kidical Mass Light Parade with a bike full of lights. See our family rides page for ideas and dates.

Come by the shop in Laeken – Rue Dieudonné Lefèvre 4 – and we'll help you get your family bike ready for winter.