Questions about children and bikes

[jonathankrall]

This month I’m writing about children, bikes, Kidical Mass, and bike to school day. I’d like to hear stories from parents about these. We all know the logical reasons to get kids on bikes, but I’d like to know what gets people to actually do it?

– How do you go from “that seems like a good idea” to “get your bike and let’s go!” All input appreciated.

– Also, is anyone taking up the Kidical Mass effort in Alexandria this year? I hear the ride last year was a big success. Any info useful.

Jonathan Krall
http://www.alexandrianews.org/category/transportation-talk/

Topic

[nosrednaj]

@jonathankrall 113421 wrote:

“What do you need to know?”

First, great to hear about your proactive work in Fairfax. I have good info from this thread already, but would be happy to read more. The main thing I need to know is this: what do you want the public to know about family bicycling?

Also, because I am writing for alexandrianews.org, I still need to hear from Alexandria folk. I am seeking them out through other channels.

Well…..if you want to chat you know how to reach me. Can’t help as I live in Vienna.

I suggest you reach out to Trails for Youth re: SRTS in ACPS and the work they did there for 3-4 years.

Family biking: I think riding to school can be a catalyst .

[jonathankrall]

Thanks to all for comments on this. I’ve got a draft written. If folks want to be quoted using their real names, please drop me a private message. Ill post a link when it comes out.

[jonathankrall]

@jonathankrall 113834 wrote:

Thanks to all for comments on this. I’ve got a draft written. If folks want to be quoted using their real names, please drop me a private message. Ill post a link when it comes out.

As advertised, I here is a URL to the article. Thanks to all for comments, stories and other input.
http://www.alexandrianews.org/family-bicycling-the-kids-are-all-right-the-parents-less-so/
Also here:
http://www.thewashcycle.com/2015/04/family-bicycling-the-kids-are-all-right-the-parents-less-so.html

[dasgeh]

@jonathankrall 114234 wrote:

As advertised, I here is a URL to the article. Thanks to all for comments, stories and other input.
http://www.alexandrianews.org/family-bicycling-the-kids-are-all-right-the-parents-less-so/
Also here:
http://www.thewashcycle.com/2015/04/family-bicycling-the-kids-are-all-right-the-parents-less-so.html

Thanks! This is great!!

[Steve O]

Moving this over from the Bicycle Tag thread
@Supermau 114316 wrote:

I am “Mr Mom” and that equals little time to ride. Some weeks are better than others. I suppose I should invest in a trailer or kid seat for my 3 year old. At least I could squeeze in some extra mileage that way!

@hozn 114363 wrote:

Um, yeah !! Get a trailer off craigslist; there are always a few for sale. Easier to ride with and more generally useful than an on-bike seat.
And get that 3yr-old a bike! — And enter him/her in Phoenix Derby next month.

And a trail-a-bike. My daughter was three when she started riding it. She couldn’t balance on her own bike at that age, but she could (and did) stay on the trail-a-bike. It also made her feel way more grown-up and independent than being pulled in a trailer.

[Author]

Replies