how to ride with kids in traffic

[Tuckervill]

Just because he's behind me doesn't mean he wouldn't be "attended". I think an 11 year old is capable of learning the proper etiquette and not doing something that could endanger others. Of course, you really have to talk this all over before you ride.

I would put the 11 yo behind me because I don't think he'd (thinking of my youngest at 11) would have been "with it" enough to lead, warn about obstacles, remember about stop signs, stay together, etc. The 8 yo in front would never get far enough away from me that a loud voice couldn't stop him in his tracks.

When you have two to shepherd, you're always going to monitor the youngest one closer than the oldest. But you have to set up the oldest in a place where they can be independent but not dangerous. Speaking in general terms.

All that being said, I wouldn't take an 8 and 11 yo out on the street if they weren't capable of knowing the rules and responding correctly to reminders of the rules. If they had a hot dog attitude or were careless because of their youth or not concerned about safety, we just wouldn't go. The people you're talking about, Eden, who let their kids get separated from them, wouldn't take the time to teach their kids about the safe way to do things anyway, and there's nothing we can do about those types.

Karen

[galaxygirl]

The 11 year old is a fraidy cat, so he's a good leader. Very cautious and always under control. The only problem we have with him out front is that sometimes when we stop he doesn't know it and keeps going till we yell "stop" or ring the bells on our bike. I might try him behind me to see what happens. He is the fastest among us, so out front is the easiest place, I think.