Keeping kids on bikes: Researchers unveil roadmap for lifelong cycling

While cycling offers physical, mental, and social health benefits, there is limited guidance about how cycling program leaders, coaches, and parents can effectively support long-term participation in the sport.

A study, led by Sean Wilson, PhD, senior author and professor of basic sciences in the Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, hopes to change that with a new perspective article that outlines an evidence-informed framework for building sustainable cycling pathways.

The article brings together current research, expert perspectives, and real-world experience to provide a roadmap for creating cycling programs that guide long-term development of youth cyclists, aiming to maximize physical and mental health benefits while reducing risks of burnout, dropout, and injury.

"As both a researcher and a cyclist, I've seen firsthand how cycling supports physical, mental, and social well-being," Wilson said. "We hope this framework helps coaches, educators, and community leaders build programs that encourage people of all ages to experience the lifelong benefits of cycling while creating healthier, more connected communities."

The perspective article, Developing Evidence-Informed Pathways for Long-Term Engagement in Cycling for the United States, was published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.

The authors emphasize that successful cycling programs should focus on more than athletic performance. They recommend developmentally appropriate training that aligns with a rider's physical and psychological growth, while prioritizing enjoyment, confidence, and skill development. The framework also encourages cycling program organizers to create inclusive opportunities for participants of diverse backgrounds and abilities and to equip coaches with athlete-centered approaches that foster resilience, motivation, and long-term engagement.

Building on previous research demonstrating the positive impact of school-based cycling programs on adolescent psychosocial well-being, the authors expand those findings into a broader model that supports continued participation throughout life.

The article also highlights the importance of collaboration among schools, cycling clubs, governing bodies, and community organizations to create clear pathways that make cycling more accessible and sustainable.