FROM the daily ride to work to leisurely cycles in the countryside, Stephen Knight can always find a good excuse to get on his bike.

Stephen’s own three children are now benefiting from pedal power and the family often enjoy cycle trips out together on weekends.

The Netherton family have definitely been bitten by the biking bug, thanks to their keen cyclist dad.

The 40-year-old is a member of KBUG (Kirklees Bike User’s Group) and works to promote a local section of the National Cycle Network as a Sustrans volunteer ranger.

Stephen also supports the Friends of Meltham Greenway group, working to improve the route.

He said: “I first got into cycling going out with my friends, over to places like Slaithwaite and doing some mountain biking at weekends.

“I now go out whenever I can and cycle three miles to my work on St Andrew’s Road every day.

“Public transport is expensive and not particularly reliable so being able to ride is a useful skill to have – plus it’s kinder on the environment.

“Cycling is also a great way of keeping the weight down. But what I enjoy most about it is the freedom of being able to go where I want whenever I want.”

And Stephen’s children, Chelsea, 12, Ryan, nine, and four-year-old Charlotte are now experiencing first-hand the bonuses of joining the chain gang.

Stephen said: “The children love cycling, particularly when we go on caravan holidays and they can take their bikes. The older ones are getting into cycling longer distances now, while the little one loves going round on her two-wheeler with stabilisers in Beaumont Park.

“It’s perfect as an activity we can all do together and the kids love getting out and seeing new places.”

Stephen says he believes more families should be taking advantage of the area’s great variety of cycle routes.

He said: “We’re in one of the best places in Yorkshire for countryside and there’s some fantastic cycle routes. There’s also a lot of cycling groups catering for all abilities.

“People should definitely be getting on their bikes more and taking advantage of this.”

YOUNGSTERS can show off their sports skills at a mini Olympics being staged at Beaumont Park next Tuesday.

Call 07814 387420.

WEEKLY tae kwon do sessions are for juniors wanting to learn the basics. They take place on Mondays at 6.30pm at Almondbury Sports Centre.

KEEP the kids entertained this summer by sending them along to one of Asda’s free sports and activity sessions.

Sessions include dance, rugby, cricket and junior gym. For details on sessions near you visit www.asda-sportingchance.co.uk

PROJECT Sport is running various cricket and football coaching camps for boys and girls. Email projectsport@hotmail.com for details.

Top tips: sugar swaps

SWAPPING sugary snacks and drinks for ones that are lower in sugar can really make a difference to kids’ calorie intake – it’s better for their teeth too.

Here’s a few ideas on what to swap:

Swap to water, semi-skimmed milk or diluted fresh fruit juice instead of drinks with added sugar like cola or squash.

Switch to snacks like fresh fruit, carrot sticks and unsalted nuts instead of sweets or biscuits.