Feature/General
Families on the Move: Get in Gear!
By Katherine Hughes
Jul/Aug 2007

Cycling has many benefits: it's a lot of fun, it keeps you fit, and it can set healthy habits for your children. And with so many options on how to travel, you can bring the family along.

When can my child start cycling?
Most experts agree that the child should be able to sit up unassisted and be able to hold his or her head up while wearing a helmet. Get your child accustomed to the helmet before you go on a trip. If you are unsure whether or not your child is ready, consult your pediatrician.

How can I bring my child along?
Child seats attach to the rear or front of the bike and are recommended for children up to 40 pounds, roughly. They range in price, depending on their features, but they are widely available and are the least expensive way to cycle with your child. Parents should make sure the carrier has a heavy-duty frame, three to five point harness system and secure attachment to the bike. Deirdre, mother of 5-year-old Harvey, has used a child seat since her son was a year old. She cites "more interaction" as an often overlooked benefit.

Child trailers are a plus for parents who have more than one child or have older children, as they have a combined weight limit of 100 pounds. Most have a jogging stroller conversion kit that enables parents to push their children after they reach their destination. Look for one with plenty of head space for helmets, a secure harness system, and a mechanism that prevents the trailer from tipping over or rocking. Jenny Buley, mother of Noah (4) and Ethan (8 months) prefers the trailer so she can tow both kids long distances. "To me," says Jenny, "it's just a great way to get the kids outside, breathing fresh air, enjoying nature." The trailer can be used in conjunction with a child seat enabling you to transport up to three children at once.

Trailer cycle or tag-a-longs are a step up from the trailer and are generally recommended for children ages 4-9. It is essentially the rear portion of a regular child's bike that is attached to the seat pillar of the adult's bike. Don't worry, the tag-a-long will not interfere with the handling of your bike as it does not have a front wheel or steering mechanisms. The child has the opportunity to become more engaged in the experience and can pedal as much or as little as they prefer. Tag-a-longs are available at most local bike shops and online.

What about school aged children?
Years ago, about 65 percent of us rode our bikes to school compared to about 10 percent today. Local efforts are making it easier and safer for our kids to cycle again through Safe Routes Athens. Bike Athens and Clarke County Schools have partnered to create this initiative, a program based on the national organization, Safe Routes to School. Their goals? To create alternative transportation routes, educate parents about bike safety and identify constraints to walking and cycling, such as unfinished sidewalks and lack of crosswalks. Parents and a volunteer task force teamed up at Barrow Elementary School to create a pilot program in 2005 which includes "Walk or Bike to School Day" the first Friday of every month. Coordinator John Kissane hopes to have this program up and running at several more schools in Clarke County within the next five years. For more information, check out www.saferoutes.org.

Why cycle to school?
Improved concentration, memory, and decreased risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes are just a few great reasons children should exercise on their way to school. Studies indicate that children who are active before and after school perform better academically and have fewer behavioral problems.

How can I get started?
Helmet, helmet, helmet: Fitting your child for a helmet is just as important as the act of wearing one. For more on proper fit, see what the American Academy of Pediatrics has to say at www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm#choosing. Be a good role model by wearing your helmet as well. Your kids are watching you!

Get Educated. Whether you are an experienced rider or a new to the scene, there is always something to be learned by a bike education course. Check bikeathens.com for an upcoming course schedule.

Be sure your own bike is road worthy and ready for extra passengers. Local shops can help you choose the best accessory for your bike and get your bike ready for the road by tuning it up and identifying any safety concerns.

Know where you're riding. Become familiar with the best routes. The quickest, most direct route may not be the best when cycling. Bike Athens has developed color coded (free) safety maps that are available at many locations, including most local bike shops, the ACC Library, and Earth Fare. Inexperienced or tentative riders may want to do some exploring without the kids until they get more comfortable with the terrain and routes.

Keep it positive. Bring snacks and always have water available. Invite friends along and turn it into a play date, or give a destination that is interesting to your child, such as a park or library. Try to cycle in shaded areas during warmer months, or during cooler periods of the day to avoid overheating.

Katharine Hughes took a break from her social work career to stay at home with two cuddly sons and is loving every minute of it.