Ah, spring. This is the season that we’ve all been waiting for: dry, sunny and ideal for outdoors. There is no better time of year for families to outdoor cycling.
Sunday Streets began another year – according to the April 1910 edition of the Golden Gate Park – and increases the city’s families are cycling to work or school. If you are interested in cycling with the family, but have not started on a bike to school Day April 7 is a great opportunity to try along with thousands of other families. For more information, visit www.biketoschoolday.org.
One of the benefits of cycling to school with your children, most parents say is the time to be together. Elizabeth Sullivan and her 8 year old son, Jonah, said it was nice to ride side by side and chat.
“I really like riding next to you because we have to talk,” she told Jonas. Because they were not on bikes now, he continued to play a game on his iPhone.
Maureen Persico and his 9 year old son, Aidan, I agree. A set of portable speakers for iPod and donut special stop to do something to make their bikes in a hurry. (In particular, donuts, said Aidan.)
Besides singing songs to Dr. Demento and cat, Persico use their “talk time” to teach Aidan how to safely cycle. “All things to internalize, to say out loud,” she said. This means that comments on stop signs and traffic lights, and other tips that can ensure the safety of everyone on the street.
Riding to school
Students from 15 public schools in San Francisco are learning safe walking and cycling as part of San Francisco the Safe Routes to Schools “. These skills are intended to help students develop their ability to make sound decisions on – and off – road .
“Kids love cycling and walking to school and this program is to help develop their autonomy of decision of skill,” says Jason Serafino-agar, the Safe Routes to School program coordinator for the Coalition of San Francisco Bicycle , who teaches the course. “Our job is to make a real difference. I see many students and their parents who are very confident in cycling and walking to school.”
Baby steps
Cycling your children to school can be simple, with little planning. “Start small and implement,” said Persico.
- Build your skills: You will receive advice and suggestions for San Francisco Bicycle Coalition with the freedom of training wheels (the next is April 2), Family Bike Safety Training (April 9), and – for parents and parents of Youth – Urban Biking Workshop (April 7, read on SFG. ly/fcvF7D).
- Practice of the road: Get your own comfort level by giving a tour walking alone, try it with your kids on a weekend where there will be less traffic and stress of planning. Take your time and have fun.
- Vacation of road works: Start by going in one direction or only once a week.
- Take it easy: go on a rainy day or a hectic morning. As a partner of Sullivan, Gabriel Metcalf, “says one of the best parts of cycling is that it is a fun way to get around, and both children and parents should enjoy the journey.
Community Action
Children grow out of the bike as soon as the wear, display and YBIKE Program has launched a family-oriented bicycle exchange program as part of the Community Hub. Donate to smaller bikes, and trade on a large-format, which is tuned to the local mechanics. For more information, visit www.outbackbikers.com .
Bike About Town is to present the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, 12,000 members of non-profit organization dedicated to creating safer streets and livable communities, promoting bicycle traffic daily. For more information on cycling of resources, go to www.outbackbikers.com
