No. 11 Explore on wheels

Children cycling on the Explorer Trail in Comer Woods at Dudmaston, Midlands | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Whether you use a bike, scooter or skateboard, you’ll explore further and faster on wheels. It’s also a fun way to exercise, feeling the wind on your face. Learn about the first bicycles ever invented and find out why cycling is a planet-friendly way of exploring.

Where will you go?

Ask an adult to help find a trail near you. Safe cycle routes wind through country gardens and woodland, along canals and rivers, and even by the coast. If you’re exploring on your own or with friends, check with an adult before you set off and take weatherproof clothes and snacks.

If you don't have a bike, you can hire one at some of the places we look after. Our trails run through different landscapes, from parks to woodland.

Where you can hire a bike

A pennyfarthing and a boneshaker bicycle — A pennyfarthing (left) and a boneshaker bicycle (right) | © National Trust Images

History of the bicycle

One of the first bicycles invented was known as the 'boneshaker', as it wasn't very comfy to ride. It was built in France in the 1860s and had a horizontal frame with a seat mounted on top. The first boneshakers didn't have pedals and were a bit like today's balance bike. Their wheels were made of wood and caused the handlebars to shake.

A pennyfarthing was another type of an early bicycle. It had a large front wheel and was made of metal instead of wood, with rubber tyres. It was made in Manchester, betweeen 1880 and 1890. Any bump or pebble in the road could cause the rider to fall headfirst over the handlebars and it was hard for riders to keep their balance as the seat was high off the ground.

And you’re off!

As you cycle, scoot or roll along, take some time to listen to the sounds of your wheels on the ground. Can you hear leaves or stones crunching underneath? If you’re out in the rain or soon after, you might hear the squelch of mud or feel the splash of puddles as you race through.

Watch the light dancing on the ground as it peeks through the leaves above. What else can you see around you? Can you spot any animals or tracks? Does anything look different to when you’re moving more slowly?

Time for a pit stop

One of the best things about exploring on wheels is you can discover lots more nature than you can on two feet. Take time to rest and think about your journey. How far have you come? What was the best thing you discovered? You could even keep an ‘explore on wheels’ diary with your friends, and draw a map with key things you spotted on your trails.

Keep safe

Exploring on wheels means you can go further and faster. This means you need to be more careful – take a puncture repair kit if you know how to use one and a mobile phone to call for help, or a lift home, if you need it. Choose a route that’s safe and the right length for you – discuss it with an adult before you go. Don't forget your safety helmet.

Fun fact: If you swap driving to school for cycling for a whole year, you will stop almost half a tonne of carbon dioxide from polluting the air. — Fun fact | © National Trust Images

How cycling helps the planet

One of the benefits of riding a bike is that it's better for the environment than travelling by car. This is because cycling uses leg power to get around rather than engines, which motor vehicles use. Car engines burn fuel which releases carbon dioxide into the air. This pollutes the air and is bad for the environment. Riding a bike just takes a little huff and puff. This means cycling is a very clean type of transport.

The exercise also helps you keep healthy. Have fun coming up with new places to discover when you're exploring on wheels.