The best thing we could have done for our family this summer is to round up bikes for us all. Our new favorite family past time is to release everyday stresses by returning home for a busy day and jumping on our bikes for a quick adventure. Mother’s Day was not just a holiday to spend celebrating the worlds most challenging job. This year my 4 year old gave me the special gift of learning to ride his bike without training wheels, the morning of.
With all of our recent adventures I’ve learned a lot about bike safety and how to travel prepared for many situations. Though skinned knees, bruises, bumps and falls we have had a blast. Here is a basic list of Do’s and Don’t for summer family fun with bicycles.
Do:
Make sure your kids have recently had enough to eat and drink before you go on a lengthy ride. Bring a water bottle, just in case.
Make sure you have a near equal parent to child ratio. Especially when they are young you’ll need to keep watch for arising situations.
Ensure that everyone has well-functioning bicycles, inflated tires and fitted helmets before you begin.
Prepare yourself to be on repeat…all day. If we are nearing a busy street for walkers I think I’ve said “be careful, watch out, and stay to the right” at least a million times.
Our plan is for me to ride in front, child in the middle and my hubby in the back. This way we can be prepared for unexpected situations. Crowded traffic areas and speeding cars are totally scary for a parent as they see their child on a wobbly new bike.
Choose to put your new rider in a bike trailer if your intent is to go for an extended trip.
Don’t:
Go for rides with teenagers and little kids (under 6) unless they are extremely patient.
Think that once your under child has mastered the block they are ready for a long ride. We pushed our son a little to see if we could make it to my parent’s house. If was a little heartbreaking to see him complain that his legs were getting tired.
Family bike rides can be the most challenging and exciting family activity for your summer. With a little preparation and common sense, everyone can have a great time!
About Schwinn:
If we’ve learned anything from more than a century of building bikes, it’s that some things never get old. From that first taste of freedom, when the training wheels come off, to the wonder of a parent letting go, and all of the ups and downs in between, magical moments in life happen on a Schwinn.
Life’s a ride. Enjoy it on a Schwinn.
Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!
Loading ...
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Love the video! Looks like you had so much fun on your Schwinn!