disappointed rant..

[Biciclista]

ps, bottom line, they're your kids!
we want to see pictures!

[Melalvai]

Sure it's disappointing now, but think how amazing you'll feel when they have a complete turn around because you opened their eyes to a whole new world.

[isconniethere]

There are some good books out there on the subject of bikers taking their children biking, including cross country rides, such as books by the
"Metal Cowboy", Joe Kurmaskie. I heard him speak about the cross-country trip he took with his boys and it was a great experience.

[Bike Writer]

Hebe, I have family members who ride with their tots in buggys behind the bike and have been doing it for quite a while since she has three little ones. The oldest now rides his bike and his lil sisters are in the cart. We live in a semi rural area that has a bit of an urban component as we have a small downtown with shops and stores but no high speed traffic through town.

I can understand how people who don't cycle don't understand it and it may sound very scary to them. I bet it's all the worse because they are friends and obviously you value their judgement because you chose them for Godparents, so I can see how this would be disturbing. Naturally you would want them to embrace the idea and they are not doing that. In the end you are the parents and perhaps in time they will accept and support your venture with your daughter. Sometimes people just need time to warm up to an idea. Also letting them know that you value their opinion so much that you have checked into safety stats will send a strong message to them about your friendship and your concern for the safety of your daughter.

You're a good mom and a conservative parent, have fun introducing your daughter to this and watch her love of outdoors and cycling bloom.

You need your alone time on the bike and time spent on bikes with family too. Who knows, maybe when the Godparents visit you may all go for a ride someday?

Have fun! Your daughter is a lucky little girl to have a mommy that wants to share her joyful passion with her.

[blackhillsbiker]

When oldest DD was small, she went everywhere on the back of DH's bike. We just got her an adorable, bright pink helmet. I wish we had been able to get a trailer when we had twins three years later. Our cycling stopped until the kids were old enough to join us on their own bikes. Of the three, the oldest is the only one who continues to cycle. I think it is because of all the lovely memories of the three of us and our cycling when she was small.

Deb

[Mr. Bloom]

Yesterday, I saw two parents each pulling their kids in trailers on a busy secondary road. While not "necessary", I very much respect that they had the trailers well lighted even in daytime for emphasis.

Some people will never understand...all you can do is be safe no matter what...

[Thorn]

A published opinion: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/12/ma...thicist-t.html

Aside: on one of our cycling trips we ran into a couple and their 2 year old who joined them in her trailer (emphasis on "her" -- just ask her). The daughter thought it was fun; the couple had an excuse to travel slower, see more, take more breaks -- and, best part? They all got to talk to more locals who simply had to meet the "little cyclist".