Suggested Rides with Kids

[Megabeth]

In July, there is a slight possibility of my twin 9-year-old niece and nephew are coming to town and a slight possibility that I can convince their parental units to also bring their bikes.

This is where I need your help, Dear Bike Forum: I’m either riding around alone or with folks above the legal drinking age. I have never really have had to consider children on a bike ride.

These guys are not familiar with riding in heavy traffic (and live in more of a quiet neighborhood/cul de sac situation). And, I certainly know I’d never get to see them again if their mother found out I cruised them down Wilson Boulevard…So, where do you suggest I take these kids for a nice ride around here?

Topic

[eminva]

If you have a car and they have mountain bikes (or at least something that can ride on dirt), I would suggest the Accotink Creek Trail. It is pretty, shaded and gets very little traffic.

A bit farther afield is the Indian Head Rail Trail in Maryland. It is paved, flat and gets very little traffic.

Bring a picnic and lots of snacks/drinks.

The W&OD: Not so good. Maybe on a weekday in the middle of the day, but not a sunny Saturday morning or afternoon. The traffic volume is stressful for both kids and the adults shepherding them.

Have fun!

Liz

[DismalScientist]

I’ve had my kids, 10, 8, and 8, on the Arlington Loop and haven’t found it that stressful. You need to gauge early their riding skills and whether they will follow instructions. I generally go clockwise because kids generally can’t deal with gearing well. I stop at every corner down the Rosslyn hill to give them instruction on how to watch for cars.

I assume the bikes are the standard crappy kids mountain bikes. This suggests the Towpath might be an option. Since I don’t know where you live, you may find it OK to have them ride the back streets to Chain Bridge or perhaps just access it through Georgetown.

[TwoWheelsDC]

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is pretty nice…hardly anyone uses it. You can either metro to Navy Yard or park by the stadium, ride across the Diamond Teague bridge, through the Navy Yard, across the 11th st. bridge, then over to the eastern section, which runs a couple miles in each direction right along the river. There’s about 200 yards of on street riding on the eastern side of the Anacostia, but there’s no traffic as it’s the entrance to the park. The western section also runs up and down the river to Benning Road, past RFK, but I don’t recommend crossing the river up there, as there’s construction on the northern part of the eastern branch and you won’t be able to get back down to Anacostia park that way. I also would not recommend crossing the Douglass bridge (S. Capitol st) as it’s pretty narrow. 11th is your best bet for all river crossings.

This should give you some idea of what I’m talking about:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/183244025

[DSalovesh]

Dunno where you’re starting from. My daughter is now 9 and rides (with guidance and some sidewalks) just about anywhere from our home on Capitol Hill to:

Mount Vernon Trail. We ride bike lanes, limited access paths, and sidewalks to pick it up at the TJ Memorial. She considers Old Town an accomplishment, but even just to Gravely Point is a good trip.

The National Arboretum. The trip there involves lots of sidewalks and “interesting” neighborhoods north of H Street NE, but once we get there it’s all slow speed limited access fun.

If driving to the start is possible my favorite is the Capitol Crescent Trail from Georgetown. Even making it from there to the relatively close park at Fletcher’s Landing is a lot of fun – rent a rowboat or kayak or canoe there to make it a combo trip. (You could bike there, depending on your starting point, but from my house there are quite a few challenges before we get to the good stuff.)

[RESTONTODC]

The C&O Canal is best for the inexperience young riders. It has very little traffic and no crossing. It’s shade and cool. You can stop by the Fletcher’s Landing to rent a rowboat and ride to Georgetown for lunch, dinner and ice cream. You need a hybrid or mountain bike.

[jrenaut]

In addition to the Anacostia riverwalk, I just got back from my first trip to Yards Park. My kids are younger – 2 and 4 in September – and they rode in the trailer. But it’s an awesome place for the kids to play in the water, tons of bike parking, and just all-around beautiful. We had a bit of trouble getting there as I didn’t realize PA Ave was closed from 15th to 10th or so. But on most days it would be a great ride. Depending on where you’re coming from, it might be a good option.

[KLizotte]

Beach Drive on the weekend. Can be combined with a trip to the zoo. Also, the trails east of the Anacostia are little used.

[Author]

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