Our first trip this morning was our usual Saturday trip to coffee and the Farmer's Market.
It was the second trip of our day that made the biggest impact. We needed to get out of the house and the best way to get kids out of the house is by offering ice cream at the end of a bike ride. This time, the boys rode on their own.
It was 4 miles round trip. Little Brother strode along on his Strider, taking a couple breaks to hitch a ride on Jose's skateboard and once in the Bullitt until he asked to get back on his bike. Big Brother, on the other hand, rode the entire way. Most of the time, he was on the sidewalk but occasionally in the street next to me. He's getting more and more steady on the bike and it's just about time to raise the seat even higher. It's still really nerve-wracking having him in the street since he's not clear on his left and rights and it's difficult to communicate directions. Luckily, we've been riding on calm, wide streets. The sidewalk isn't really any safer since every driveway has to be treated as an intersection and drivers aren't always paying attention to people on the sidewalk, even little kiddos. It's a sad world we live in when kids aren't safe riding their bikes in their own neighborhood.
The benefits for the boys riding are well worth my heightened heart rate.
It was 4 miles round trip. Little Brother strode along on his Strider, taking a couple breaks to hitch a ride on Jose's skateboard and once in the Bullitt until he asked to get back on his bike. Big Brother, on the other hand, rode the entire way. Most of the time, he was on the sidewalk but occasionally in the street next to me. He's getting more and more steady on the bike and it's just about time to raise the seat even higher. It's still really nerve-wracking having him in the street since he's not clear on his left and rights and it's difficult to communicate directions. Luckily, we've been riding on calm, wide streets. The sidewalk isn't really any safer since every driveway has to be treated as an intersection and drivers aren't always paying attention to people on the sidewalk, even little kiddos. It's a sad world we live in when kids aren't safe riding their bikes in their own neighborhood.
The benefits for the boys riding are well worth my heightened heart rate.
These boys love it and they're on the road to independence. These are skills that will last a lifetime.
You know the best part, these boys never go to sleep easily but after a day on the bike, they never sleep better. These guys were asleep in minutes. Last night, Big Brother was up until 10pm. Biking is amazing and that shows in it's purest form through the tiny bodies of children. Kids and bikes are a natural combination and our culture has denied this wonderful pairing. Let's work together to bring them back together. Quickly! Slow the car drivers down and make them accountable for their actions, teach children to ride safely and predictably and we can all get along.
We need more of this. Pure joy!
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