As the war in Ukraine continues to rage, bicycles are becoming more important for transporting people and goods, as roads get destroyed and fuel is no longer readily available.

In this episode of the Family Cycling Podcast Alex BB hosts a conference call with another Alex, a bicycle mechanic in Kiev who has found himself operating a small fleet of cargo bikes delivering humanitarian aid.   He is joined by Måns Andersson from Anywhere Berlin, who make and distribute cargo bike for use in remote and road-free areas of the world, and Steve Roe, who has set up a Facebook Group called Cargo Bikes for Ukraine.

It's a sobering insight into the practicalities of running a business in Ukraine, as well as offering some vital links to help Alex and his business partner Sergey continue their cargo bike building business at this impossible time.

08:12  How cargo bikes are being used in Kiev

09:00 Why they cant use cars  (eg petrol and blockades)

10:54 Who is Sergy and why he's had to move

12:11 How many bikes they have: 2 and want to get to 5 

14:10 How people have started to use old bikes and are keeping Alex's bike maintenance business busy

19:25 Sergey's background

20:30 Anywhere Berlin 

22:00 Aim high and start making bikes for us

27:00 What's happened since the conversation and how you can help

This is the list of the equipment Alex needs:

1. Tool set 1/4" and 1/2"

2. Semi-automatic welding machine Tesla Weld

3. Set of bimetallic crowns Bosch Progressor for Wood and Metal

4. Drill

5. Swivel vice

6. Grinder tool

7. Machine vice

8. Drilling machine SB4116HM Holzmann

9. Stationary Belt-Disk Sander Einhell TC-US 400

If anyone can help please get in touch with the Cargo Bikes for Ukraine Facebook Group

Mountain Biking can be such a fun thing to do with your kids!  But how do you get into it? What kit do need (or not need)?  And what happens if your child ends up MUCH better at mountain biking than you?

These are just some of the things discussed in this episode of the Family Cycling Podcast.

Hosts Alex and Karen are joined by Lindsey Kelly from Shred XS, who knows a thing or two about mountain biking with kids.  Her two decided to take up racing, and then as a family they went on to set up the clothing brand which has gained a loyal following amongst junior mountain bikers all around the country.

Lindsey takes us on a fascinating journey from being total novices to industry experts, and shares some huge news about the future of ShredXS too!

Listed below are the things that we mention in the podcast.

ShredXS - kids sized mountain bike clothing

Kids mountain bikes - for when things start to get serious

Kids hybrid bikes - good introductory bikes - you don't need to spend loads!

Learnie MTB track on the Black Isle

Kilnlochleven mountain bike trails

Fort William (aka Fort Bill)

British Cycling's Go ride programme - they sometimes run mountain bike holiday camps

Cycle Show - where Lindsey and Karen first met - takes place annuallyListed below are the things that we mention in the podcast.

It's been a really horrendous few weeks, and Alex and Karen discuss ways in which we can all possibly make small changes to the way we travel in order to try and reduce our oil consumption. 

It's not all about Ukraine though - we also discuss whether it's quicker to cycle or drive to the Scout hut, being Spiderman, solar powering your cargo bike, how Alex is learning to swim, some new bikes for children with proportional dwarfism, how to impress teenagers, a new bike gear shifter,  plus lots lots more!

Get your Fight Putin Ride a Bike poster to show your solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Donate to the DEC Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal

This podcast is a different format to our usual interview format so do let us know what you think - shall we do more like this? 

Links to products mentioned in this episode 

(Some links are affiliate links meaning we may get a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us fund the Family Cycling Podcast - thank you!)

Cycle Sprog's Bike to school guide - download your copy now

Black Mountain - check out the new grip shifters on their KAPEL and HUTTO models

Hornit Bikes - have just released their 20" and 24" wheel HERO kids bikes

Islabikes - have designed bikes for children with proportional dwarfism

Enterprise Car Club - if you do go car free this can be a good way to keep access to a car

Getaround - rent other people's cars, or rent out your own

Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel - 21st March - 1st April 2022

Solis Energy  and Pylontech home batteries  what Alex uses to power his cargo bike

Balance bikes are great for children who aren't yet pedalling.   Karen Wood, who has been a leading light in the UK's balance biking community, and who has recently launched the KidVelo brand of balance bikes, tells us how she got into the balance biking industry and what it's like to launch a new balance biking company.  Oh, and why balance bikes are so great! 

02:37 - Stabilisers vs balance bikes

05:23 - Buying a balance bike

09:24 - Interview with Karen Wood from Kidvelo - setting up a balance biking business - twice!

20:25 - Balance Bike recommendations

22:09 - Brakes on balance bikes

23:10 - How to use a balance bike

27:46 - Secondhand balance bikes

31:14 - Balance bike accessories

Below you can find links to all the products referenced in the podcast. 

Some of these do contain affiliate links, which mean we may get a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us keep the podcast running.

Balance Bikes

Black Mountain - balance bikes that convert into pedal bikes

Bike Club - lease a balance bike for a small monthly fee

KidVelo - Karen Wood's company specialising in balance bikes

Hornit AIRO - very lightweight balance bikes

Second hand balance bikes - there's a really good market in second hand quality balance bikes - whether you're buying or selling

Strider Bikes - the bikes Karen Wood started out with

Vitus Nippy - great value, lightweight balance bike

Carribob Strap - for carrying a balance bike when it's not in use

Kids sized cycle helmets - good idea if your child starts to go further and faster and may come off

Tigo Gloves - come in small sizes for little hands

Tassles - for adding fun to your balance bike handlebars

How do you keep your kids warm and dry while cycling in winter?  Paul Ebrey from Little Pro joins Karen and Alex to discuss the best ways to stay happy on your bike all year round. 

Listed below are the products that we mention in the podcast.

Some links contain affiliate links, which is how you can help us to keep the podcast going, as we'll get a small commission for each sale.

TIGO WINTER GLOVES -  for ages 2 - 7 years with easy open cuff

POLARIS MINI HOOLIE GLOVES - recommended kids winter cycling glove

SHOTGUN POGIES - weather proof mittens for smaller children using a front seat

ETC JUNIOR MITTENS - kids sized mittens for cycling in, so shouldn't get "stuck"

ADULT WINTER CYCLING GLOVES - wind and waterproof options

Alex’s Bar End Mittens 

OUTER LAYERS FOR KIDS - having a warm layer and a water proof layer helps with year round usage

THERMAL KIDS CYCLING LEGGINGS - great for keeping legs warm on winter bike rides

THERMAL UNDERLAYERS - for keeping warm on and off the bike

HAMAX BIKE SEAT PONCHO

FRONT BIKE SEAT WINDSHIELD - weather protection for your child (and you!)

TRAILERS - Note not all come with water proof covers and these NEED PURCHASING SEPARATELY