There is a fantastic blog post written by The Urban Commuter you should check out for all the details, including a link to a video interview.

We were planning to bring the kids on the adventure. But on the morning of, our street was still full of packed snow and slush. I don't ride with the kids on my bike in those conditions, and we weren't sure how Anna Sierra would do riding her own bike in the winter, so the kids went skiing with Derek while I attended the parade on his souped up winter commuter bike, complete with studded front tire.

I love when cyclists gather. It's always nice to see everyone, to catch up with old friends and to make new friends. And there is always something to learn about riding technique, gear that works, fundraisers that are coming up or routes that are fun or scenic.

On Sunday I checked in with the other parents who did bring their kids and learned there are a few ways to ride with your kids in the winter when the roads aren't clear: (these tips seem obvious now, but didn't occur to us in the morning, so are worth sharing!)

1. Start on the beautifully groomed Laurier Segregated Bike Lane.

2. This tip comes from winter family cyclist RGB pictured with his son, Nico: Walk your bike when you're on the side streets and hop on the bike on the main streets. 

3. Keep your kids warm and cozy and your own bike more balanced by having the children ride in a trailer, with a blanket and possibly a plastic wind screen.

It was such a joy to ride on our very own segregated bike lane, join city councillors and city officials for hot apple cider at city hall on a Sunday afternoon and have a chance to connect with cyclists from around the city during the quieter winter season.

Congratulations to Citizens for Safe Cycling board member Risa Sargent for organizing a fun, well-attended, celebratory Winter Bike Ride!

Happy riding!

Kathleen

Got family biking stories to share? Familiesonbikes[AT]momentumplanetDOTcom