Cycling is an amazing family activity that's as fun for mums and dads as it is for kids.

What all cyclists have in common though is the need to stay safe on the road. That starts with the equipment you use and ends with a well-maintained bike.

So let's take a look at some tips for being as safe as possible when you take to the roads this summer.

Helmets save heads

Disney Frozen Kids Bike Helmet (52-56cm) - £20

From a topple when your youngest is learning to ride a balance bike through to dad wanting to protect himself on his cycle to work - everyone needs a helmet and Halfords has a range of helmets suitable for all ages and cycling abilities.

Mums and Dads are covered with the Ridge All Terrain Pro for £15. Kids can chose polka dots , princesses , stars or even an absolutely awesome skull design .

Let everyone chose the helmet they love and they'll be excited to wear it when they next go for a bike ride.

Be seen

Bike lights aren't just about finding your way in the dark. Increasingly people are using them like running lights on a car - for visibility. Using flashing lights means that other road users can see you more easily - and when the sun does set you can switch to constant illumination.

As a rule the brighter your bike lights the better. During the day they will need to be more than 400 lumens to be easily seen, so get the brightest lights you can - like the Halfords Superbright LED bike light set, £15.

It's also worth considering high visibility jackets for big and little riders alike. Halfords has a family pack of these that contains two adult and two childrens vests. You can, of course, buy these individually too. These are especially important as the light fades in the evening and when dark winter nights eventually roll around.

Adjust and maintain

It's important to make sure that you kids bikes are well adjusted to their size. Make sure that the saddle is high enough for them to be able to pedal comfortably, but also still reach the ground with the ball of their foot.

Make sure that lights all work, and get recharged or new batteries as they dim. You should also make sure the bikes reflectors are in the right place and are not broken. You can get replacement reflects and other fun light accessories - like spoke lights - at Halfords.

Brakes, gears and tyre pressures should all be regularly checked too. If you kids are out on their own then encourage them to tell you if anything doesn't feel right on the bike - say, brakes getting less effective. Encourage them to check the tyre pressures but back that up with monthly checks of your own.

For smaller kids who cycle less you can check all these things before you go on a ride, but remember punctures can vary in size and worsen if you continue to use the bike without fixing them. Likewise, brake cables stretch over time and need adjustment to stay efficient and safe.

If there are any problems pop in to Halfords for a free check on your bike, giving you complete confidence without having to get your hands dirty. In-store experts will check tyre pressure, brakes and gears.

Consider a new bike for little riders

A child's bike should last at least two years before they outgrow it. But obviously everyone grows at different speeds and growth spurts make this sort of thing hard to predict. So make sure that your kids bikes are the right size for them.

Halfords.com has a video that guides you through finding the right size bike. You can also pop into a store with your little ones to get some help and advice on the correct size.

When sitting one the saddle a child should be able to reach the floor with the ball of their foot. They should also be able to stand over the top tube which runs horizontally from the handlebars to the saddle.

There are also size guides on all the Halfords bike pages which help explain what height they are designed for.

If you find you need a new bike consider the sort of cycling your child will be doing. If it's mostly on-road, perhaps for older children who ride to school or out with friends, then consider a hybrid like the Apollo Vortice Junior Hybrid Bike for £104 (save £26) . If your kids are younger or only want to ride off-road then a mountain bike is a good choice - consider the Carrera Blast Junior for £232 (save £58) .

Parents need love too

It's not just your little ones who need a good, solid and reliable bike. Parents need to make sure that their bikes are well-maintained too. Apply the same rules as for kids. Keep an eye that your chain is clean and lubricated. Make sure you brakes work and your tyres are correctly inflated. If you need help with any of those things head in to your local Halfords and get a free bike check or ask about specific fixes.

If your bike is too old or too broken then consider replacing. The Carrera Sulcata Mountain Bike is amazing value at £340 (save £85). For those looking for an electric boost for those big hills that adults struggle with while children merrily whizz up then why not check out the Pendleton Somerby ebike , now just £750.

  • Make sure you are Really Ready For Summer with Halfords. Visit www.halfords.com or go in-store for full details on all offers and services. Prices correct at time of publication. Offers end August 5.