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At a glance
- For
- Families with babies, toddlers and school kids
- Key rule in Germany
- Children up to their 7th birthday may ride in a child seat or trailer – pulled by someone aged 16 or over (§ 21 (3) StVO)
- Distance
- According to the German cyclists' club ADFC, 4- to 9-year-olds manage about 10–15 km, 10- to 13-year-olds up to 30 km a day
- Region
- Münsterland, Germany: flat, with lots of quiet farm lanes
Few regions are as made for family bike rides as the Münsterland in north-west Germany: flat, well signposted and criss-crossed by quiet farm lanes known locally as “Pättkes”. But before you set off, there's the big question: how does your child come along? In a trailer, a child seat, on a tow bar or already on their own bike? We show what suits which age, what German traffic law says – and which routes are worth it for your first family outing.
What suits which age?
Bike trailer
The all-rounder for little ones: the ADFC recommends trailers for children from 0 to about 6. Babies ride in a suitable infant seat or hammock from the trailer manufacturer – then ride slowly and avoid cobbles. In the trailer kids have room for a cuddly toy and snacks, are sheltered from wind and rain, and can nap. Up to two children are allowed.
Child seat on the bike
Light, affordable and quick to fit – ideal for short trips. According to the ADFC it suits children who can sit up securely on their own, from around 9 months. German law requires a proper child seat and protection so feet can't get caught in the spokes. Look for a recess for the helmet. For longer rides a trailer is usually more comfortable.
Tow bar, coupling or trailer bike
The step towards their own bike: the child's bike is attached with a tow bar, or the child rides a trailer bike. The ADFC gives roughly 3 to 9 years for coupling systems. The advantage: your child pedals along, but you still cover some ground. Important: a child being towed must not fall asleep – take breaks in good time.
Balance bike
Many children start on a balance bike as toddlers and learn to balance that way. It isn't enough for a real bike tour – take it for short stretches or combine it with the trailer, where the balance bike can ride along when legs get tired.
Their own bike
Once your child brakes, steers and sets off confidently, the tour becomes a shared adventure. Then plan around your child, not yourselves: short stages, quiet paths and goals they look forward to.
What does German traffic law say?
These rules apply in Germany. If you're cycling elsewhere, check the local rules.
- Child seats and trailers (§ 21 (3) StVO): children up to their seventh birthday may be carried on a bicycle by someone aged at least 16, provided there is a proper child seat and feet can't get into the spokes. In trailers designed for children, up to two children up to their seventh birthday may ride along. The age limit does not apply to a child with a disability.
- Pavements (§ 2 (5) StVO): children up to their eighth birthday must, and children up to their tenth birthday may, cycle on the pavement. Where there is a cycle path physically separated from the road, under-eights may use it too. One suitable accompanying person – in particular someone aged 16 or over – may cycle on the pavement with a child under eight. It's one adult, not the whole family. Pedestrians come first, and child and adult get off to cross a road.
- Helmets: there is no legal helmet requirement for cyclists in Germany. Even so, experts such as the ADFC and insurers strongly recommend one – and trailer manufacturers recommend a helmet inside the trailer, too.
Laws can change – the current wording of the StVO is published at gesetze-im-internet.de.
Staying safe with a trailer
- Always buckle up: good trailers have harness or Y-straps that children can't open by themselves.
- Flag: a pole with a bright pennant at the back makes your rig much more visible in traffic.
- Lights and reflectors: in Germany, trailers have their own lighting rules (§ 67a StVZO) – lights must not be covered, for example by the rain cover or luggage.
- Check the seat height: there should still be a little space between the helmet and the roll bar.
- Slow down on bends: with a trailer your braking distance gets longer. Take kerbs and tight corners gently.
Let your child try out the trailer before the first tour – with helmet, straps and favourite cuddly toy. Then everything feels familiar on the big day!
How far, how long, how many breaks?
As a guide, the ADFC says 4- to 9-year-olds on their own bikes manage about 10 to 15 kilometres, and 10- to 13-year-olds up to 30 kilometres a day. These are rough figures – what matters is your child. Better to plan shorter and stop while it's still fun than to arrive in tears. In a trailer your child is “only” sitting, but sitting still is tiring too: plan regular stops to run around, drink and snack. Playgrounds, lookout towers, animals by the path or a picnic make the best goals.
The best family routes in the Münsterland
The Münsterland is mostly flat and the routes usually avoid main roads. You don't need to ride the long-distance routes in full – just pick a short section.
Around the Aasee
The classic first tour: depending on your loop, you'll ride roughly 4 to 7 kilometres. On the shore you'll find the Allwetterzoo (all-weather zoo) and the Mühlenhof open-air museum, and along the way public art such as Claes Oldenburg's “Giant Pool Balls”. Note: at weekends you share the paths with lots of walkers – take it slowly.
Werse Rad Weg
The roughly 123 km Werse Rad Weg follows the river Werse from Rheda-Wiedenbrück to where it joins the Ems in Münster-Gelmer – passing Ahlen, Beckum, Sendenhorst, Drensteinfurt and Albersloh, among others. It has hardly any climbs; rest areas with tables, shelters and several lookout towers make good stops. Ideal for families: ride a short stretch out and come back the same way.
EmsRadweg
The EmsRadweg has almost no climbs and mostly runs on quiet farm and service tracks. The stretch between the horse town of Warendorf and the pilgrimage town of Telgte is about 20 kilometres – with primary school kids, ride just part of it; with a trailer it's easily done in one go.
Castle section along the Dortmund-Ems Canal
The 100-Schlösser-Route (100 Castles Route) is a large network of four loops; the southern and western loops are rated easy and family-friendly. A lovely section: from Senden to Lüdinghausen (around 17 km) to Burg Vischering, a moated castle with a museum, and neighbouring Burg Lüdinghausen. You return along the service path of the Dortmund-Ems Canal. Children up to 6 get in free at Burg Vischering – check current conditions with the museum.
Packing list for the bike tour
FAQ
From what age can a child ride in a bike trailer?
German law sets no minimum age. Babies can ride in a suitable infant seat or hammock from the trailer manufacturer. Up to two children up to their seventh birthday may ride, pulled by someone aged 16 or over.
Do children have to wear a bike helmet in Germany?
No, there is no legal helmet requirement. Experts such as the German cyclists' club ADFC still strongly recommend one – in child seats and trailers too.
Up to what age can children cycle on the pavement in Germany?
Children up to their eighth birthday must, and up to their tenth birthday may, cycle on the pavement. One accompanying person aged 16 or over may ride there with a child under eight.
How many kilometres can a child cycle?
According to the ADFC, 4- to 9-year-olds manage about 10 to 15 km, and 10- to 13-year-olds up to 30 km a day – with enough breaks.