September 1, 2010

Growing Up Velo

Cycling education is still largely dependent on parents and (mostly) volunteer efforts. Yet, navigating our transportation networks is another crucial skill in the modern age, and just as deserving of public funding. If governments are going to ask individuals of all ages to “do their part” when it comes to reducing our reliance on car travel, those who control the public purse-strings must also shoulder their portion of the burden. That means having the fortitude to spend money on kid-friendly road networks and comprehensive traffic safety education, and having the courage to stand up for those who can’t cast a vote.

A Portrait of a Young Cyclist

A new generation raised on riding, starting out in child seats, trailers and trail-a-bikes are graduating to their own bicycles. My eight-year-old daughter Madeleine is one of those kids. She and I often use a trail-a-bike to get to school and ballet classes (two kilometers and five kilometers one way, respectively); and, increasingly, she rides her own bike for trips to the local library, supermarket or nearby parks (five-10 blocks). While the responses below have a healthy dose of “What does Dad want to hear?” I think her answers also show that getting kids to ride for transportation is mostly about making that choice a normal part of their lives.

CK: What do you think about when we ride when it’s raining?

MLK: I wish I was still in my trailer. I try to count raindrops and feel happy.

CK: How soon do you think before you are ready to ride to school by yourself?

MLK: I would say 12.

CK: How old will you be when you stop riding a bike?

MLK: At least 89. If I live up to that (age).

Tag Topics: biking with kids, Issue 47, Chris Keam

by Chris Keam

September 1, 2010

Latest Comments

opus rambler

We really like our rambler

http://jnyyz.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/opus-rambler-24-wheel-kids-bike/

Posted by Jo No June 21, 2011 04:01:39
Childhood Obesity

You can't help but wonder at the correlation between the rise in serious childhood obesity and the decline in the physical activity of our youth. This article puts into perspective how the simple act of riding a bike as a child has gone from being the 'thing we did' to a piece of history. The decline in physical activity of our youth is only one of the contributing factors in the Childhood Obesity epidemic, but surely it is a large one.

I will be setting out on a bike tour around the US this year, pedaling only a single speed, in honor of those simple days gone by. The goal is to help create awareness about the issue of Childhood Obesity and inspire some kids to get out and hop on a bike. Along the way I hope to raise over $11,000 for local charities that support getting our kids out and fit. It is only a dollar for each mile pedaled, but every little bit helps.

As I travel the country I will be stopping in towns to do presentations and talks to both parents and kids about the benefits of getting out, getting fit, and riding a bike. You can read more about my upcoming adventure at: www.wabisabiyourlife.com.

Great article, thanks!

Posted by Glenn Charles December 11, 2010 06:25:29
Learning about riding

I was riding my bike to school with my sister in first grade and continued riding to school through high school. As young children we were able to navigate fairly busy streets and safely arrive at school. Young kids are amazing learners, sponges of information. Teach them the importance of good riding habits and they will obey. Many times a parents fear of riding in traffic or lack of cycling skills is projected on a child. Teaching parents to ride safely and in a straight line will help future generations cycle better. Nevertheless, drivers also need cycling education about how and where to spot cyclists. The hazards are out there. Awareness of the hazards avoiding them while riding and driving will make safer transportation for all of us.

Posted by ExecutiveCycling.com November 10, 2010 17:12:13
Bicycling Summer Camp in San Francisco

I have a summer camp in San Francisco dedicated to this very idea. Wheel Kids Bicycle Club caters to elementary school-age kids, providing them an opportunity to ride daily, learn critical riding and safety skills, conceive of bikes as transportation as well as fun, explore their environment by bike, and gain self-confidence and increased autonomy. Given insurance requirements, we limit our riding almost exclusively to bike paths, so we aren't able to fully engage in the wide variety of urban cycling situations that are possible. Nonetheless, we feel we're educating young riders who, in the future, will demand greater accessibility for bicycles and bicyclists. See more at http://wheelkids.com/

Posted by Tim November 10, 2010 16:35:23