Barney says: Stay on the sidewalk!

[MarkS]

Watching one of her favorite programs, my 5 year old talks back to the set, "You SHOULDN'T ride on the sidewalk!"

The whole episode was about bikes and bike safety. Yes, its legal in some (most?) places for kids under 12 to ride on the sidewalks. The problem is, parents watching it think its a good rule for everyone.


#716 A Parade of Bikes #716
In this episode of Barney & Friends, the kids are getting ready for a bike parade. Nick, who is bringing the decorations, has an accident and his bike needs to be fixed. Luckily, Mr. Boyd is there to help. Baby Bop comes by, showing off her skill at riding her tricycle. The kids review important bike safety tips, including remembering to look both ways before crossing the street. Once Nick's bike is fixed, the kids finish decorating their bikes with balloons from Barney.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Watching one of her favorite programs, my 5 year old talks back to the set, "You SHOULDN'T ride on the sidewalk!"

The whole episode was about bikes and bike safety. Yes, its legal in some (most?) places for kids under 12 to ride on the sidewalks. The problem is, parents watching it think its a good rule for everyone.
Do you encourage your 5 year old to ride in the street? Do you forbid your 5 year old from riding on the sidewalk? What is your beef?

[MarkS]

Do you encourage your 5 year old to ride in the street? Do you forbid your 5 year old from riding on the sidewalk?

She rides with me (trail-a-bike). I have no problem with the suggestion that its safer for *young* children to ride on the sidewalk. Its just that disseminating the over-simplified rule will have adults and children chastising others (adults and adolescents) that choose to ride legally on the road.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

She rides with me (trail-a-bike). I have no problem with the suggestion that its safer for *young* children to ride on the sidewalk. Its just that disseminating the over-simplified rule will have adults and children chastising others (adults and adolescents) that choose to ride legally on the road.
Do you think Barney has that much effect on adults? Who do you think Barney's lessons are aimed at?

[brokenrobot]

Do you think Barney has that much effect on adults? Who do you think Barney's lessons are aimed at?


Barney's lessons are aimed at children, but will be absorbed by parents too. And the parents most apt to hire a TV program to do their parenting for them are also probably the ones makignproblems for us on the street.

And yes: I think television has a VERY strong effect on its viewers, adults and children alike.

[chipcom]

Barney's lessons are aimed at children, but will be absorbed by parents too. And the parents most apt to hire a TV program to do their parenting for them are also probably the ones makignproblems for us on the street.

And yes: I think television has a VERY strong effect on its viewers, adults and children alike.

I don't get the rabid opposition some have for people riding on the sidewalks. If that is where some people are comfortable and they aren't a menace to peds, cars or those of us who ride the road, who cares? I understand your concern that folks might get the impression that all cyclists 'should' be on the sidewalk, but that impression already exists and has for as long as I can remember. I prefer to expend any advocacy energy I might have towards convincing people that we have a right to the road, not forcing people off the sidewalks.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Barney's lessons are aimed at children, but will be absorbed by parents too. And the parents most apt to hire a TV program to do their parenting for them are also probably the ones makignproblems for us on the street.

And yes: I think television has a VERY strong effect on its viewers, adults and children alike.
No its not Barney, its the RoadRunner. He's the culprit causing all of our problems on the streets.

Barney, the trouble maker! Yes, that's the ticket, call/write the FCC, right now!

Sheesh now I have heard everything.

[genec]

No its not Barney, its the RoadRunner. He's the culprit causing all of our problems on the streets.

Barney, the trouble maker! Yes, that's the ticket, call/write the FCC, right now!

Sheesh now I have heard everything.

I have to laugh as this is one of the jerseys I wear...

http://suncyclecenter.com/merchant/270/images/small/pwear_road_runner_ls_04_m.jpg

[chipcom]

http://suncyclecenter.com/merchant/270/images/small/pwear_road_runner_ls_04_m.jpg

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

Oh man, I've never worn a jersey in my life, but I gotta get me one of those!

[I-Like-To-Bike]

I have to laugh as this is one of the jerseys I wear...

http://suncyclecenter.com/merchant/270/images/small/pwear_road_runner_ls_04_m.jpg
Just goes to show ya the influence of the evil one eyed monster. Brain cells unprotected by tin foil that were subjected to TV microwaves is the only explanation for such a jersey.

[genec]

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

Oh man, I've never worn a jersey in my life, but I gotta get me one of those!

Chip, until this year, I also had never worn a jersey... just T shirts... This was the second jersey I have ever bought (both bought this year). They are quite comfortable... and very bright.

[Roody]

I don't get the rabid opposition some have for people riding on the sidewalks. If that is where some people are comfortable and they aren't a menace to peds, cars or those of us who ride the road, who cares? I understand your concern that folks might get the impression that all cyclists 'should' be on the sidewalk, but that impression already exists and has for as long as I can remember. I prefer to expend any advocacy energy I might have towards convincing people that we have a right to the road, not forcing people off the sidewalks.
You know, as a cyclist I have no problem with people riding on sidewalks. But, when I take off my helmet and put on my walking shoes, I HATE sidewalk riders.

[brokenrobot]

No its not Barney, its the RoadRunner. He's the culprit causing all of our problems on the streets.

Barney, the trouble maker! Yes, that's the ticket, call/write the FCC, right now!

Sheesh now I have heard everything.


That's total nonsense. The roadrunner wasn't designed as a substitute for actual parenting; Barney was. And everyone knows the FCC is in the pocket of big business.

[chipcom]

Just goes to show ya the influence of the evil one eyed monster. Brain cells unprotected by tin foil that were subjected to TV microwaves is the only explanation for such a jersey.

You are such a fuddy-duddy sometimes, ya know that!
:p

[brokenrobot]

You are such a fuddy-duddy sometimes, ya know that!
:p


Careful, Chipcom! I-Like-To-Bike is not intended to be used as a substitute for actual grouches.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

You know, as a cyclist I have no problem with people riding on sidewalks. But, when I take off my helmet and put on my walking shoes, I HATE sidewalk riders.
Maybe you should keep your helmet on when walking, and prevent the negative hateful thoughts..

[I-Like-To-Bike]

That's total nonsense. The roadrunner wasn't designed as a substitute for actual parenting; Barney was. And everyone knows the FCC is in the pocket of big business.
Barney and the FCC are coming to take your bicycle away, oh my!
Maybe you should readjust the straps on your tin foil hat.

[chemcycle]

Its just that disseminating the over-simplified rule will have adults and children chastising others (adults and adolescents) that choose to ride legally on the road.

Dude, it's Barney.......why are people looking for things to be offended by?

[brokenrobot]

Barney and the FCC are coming to take your bicycle away, oh my!
Maybe you should readjust the straps on your tin foil hat.

Actually, a recent study (http://people.csail.mit.edu/rahimi/helmet/) at MIT indicates that foil hats actually increase reception strength of signals within the spectrums known to be used by government and industry. What are you, an agent of some kind? Get out of here with your mind control! You people are NOT welcome in free society! I do NOT consent to a search of my person or of my thoughts!

[brokenrobot]

Dude, it's Barney.......why are people looking for things to be offended by?


Are you really claiming that Barney's not inherently offensive? Would you let a REAL purple person take a hand in raising your children? Have you no pride?

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Actually, a recent study (http://people.csail.mit.edu/rahimi/helmet/) at MIT indicates that foil hats actually increase reception strength of signals within the spectrums known to be used by government and industry. What are you, an agent of some kind? Get out of here with your mind control! You people are NOT welcome in free society! I do NOT consent to a search of my person or of my thoughts!
Tell me it ain't so. You actually took that "study" seriously? Un-dang believable!

Next thing you know, the Evil Empire will be painting bike lane stripes on Sesame Street. Oh. the horror!

[chipcom]

You know, as a cyclist I have no problem with people riding on sidewalks. But, when I take off my helmet and put on my walking shoes, I HATE sidewalk riders.

If I recall, some sidewalk riders don't much like you even when you are on the street! ;) I have to admit that cyclists tend to irk me on the sidewalk and on the MUP if I am walking myself. Maybe Barney should be teaching 'pedestrian cycling', or we need to stick to the road and become 'vehicular pedestrians'? I think ILTB has a point about leaving the helmet on, though I would add a tin foil helmet cover and some mumbling to ourselves...that would ensure that both other peds and sidewalk cyclists give us a wide berth! :eek:

[N_C]

No its not Barney, its the RoadRunner. He's the culprit causing all of our problems on the streets.

Barney, the trouble maker! Yes, that's the ticket, call/write the FCC, right now!

Sheesh now I have heard everything.

You must not have kids under the age of 12 in today's society. Please tell me if you did you would NOT let them ride in the street with or with out you. I am not talking 15 or 20 years ago or so, I am talking now. With almost twice as many vehicles on the road & a disturbing reduction in drivers ed on how a motorist should behave when encountering a cyclist. Plus more & more aggression from drivers as well, compared to 15 or 20 years ago.

[trackhub]

Massachusetts law prohibits bicycle riding on any sidewalk that is within a zoned business district. Why is this?

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Massachusetts law prohibits bicycle riding on any sidewalk that is within a zoned business district. Why is this?
I dunno, tell me. What has THAT to do with THIS thread of tinfoil- mad hatters concerned with Barney's evil influence and the evils of CHILDREN riding on sidewalks?

[I-Like-To-Bike]

You must not have kids under the age of 12 in today's society. Please tell me if you did you would NOT let them ride in the street with or with out you. I am not talking 15 or 20 years ago or so, I am talking now. With almost twice as many vehicles on the road & a disturbing reduction in drivers ed on how a motorist should behave when encountering a cyclist. Plus more & more aggression from drivers as well, compared to 15 or 20 years ago.
Who are you addressing with this question? If me, I suggest you start re-reading this thread.

[Marge]

on a plus note a least Barney didn't tell the young ones to NOT RIDE AT ALL!!! :rolleyes:

[I-Like-To-Bike]

on a plus note a least Barney didn't tell the young ones to NOT RIDE AT ALL!!! :rolleyes:
Exactly. And it is not a small thing that Barney is encouraging bicycling to children. Only foil hat types would get bent out of shape because Barney doesn't include quotes from the "Real Bicyclist" ideology handbook of ideology. Or outraged that the children are watching Barney instead of whatever the mad hatters think the children should be doing instead.

[Laika]

Watching one of her favorite programs, my 5 year old talks back to the set, "You SHOULDN'T ride on the sidewalk!"

The whole episode was about bikes and bike safety. Yes, its legal in some (most?) places for kids under 12 to ride on the sidewalks. The problem is, parents watching it think its a good rule for everyone.

Honestly, the most troubling thing to me about your post is the clear implication that you let your kids wattch Barney. :shiver:

[Dchiefransom]

Honestly, the most troubling thing to me about your post is the clear implication that you let your kids wattch Barney. :shiver:

Yeah, the next thing ya know, they'll be thinking they should be nice to others, share things, be good to the environment, and a long list of other subversive stuff.

[MarkS]

I don't get the rabid opposition some have for people riding on the sidewalks.
I didn't express any opposition to people riding on the sidewalk. Itsthe idea that gets conveyed to children, educators, and parents that all bikers should be on the sidewalk.

But I can tell you, before I started riding my daughter to school I was walking with her on the sidewalks (walking my bike for the return trip). It was alarming how often people backed out of their driveways without a second glance. A child going above 7 MPH down the sidewalk would be virtually invisible to such people.

Dude, it's Barney.......why are people looking for things to be offended by?
Not offended, just annoyed. Perhaps I should have used a smiley in the OP :rolleyes:. There are already too many people that think bikes belong on the sidewalks.

Honestly, the most troubling thing to me about your post is the clear implication that you let your kids wattch Barney. :shiver:Hah! That's what I thought until we had a child. Now I love the big purple guy.

[Brad M]

Actually, a recent study (http://people.csail.mit.edu/rahimi/helmet/) at MIT indicates that foil hats actually increase reception strength of signals within the spectrums known to be used by government and industry. What are you, an agent of some kind? Get out of here with your mind control! You people are NOT welcome in free society! I do NOT consent to a search of my person or of my thoughts!
That's with aluminum... Actual tin foil might work. Can you even buy that stuff anymore?

[I-Like-To-Bike]

That's with aluminum... Actual tin foil might work. Can you even buy that stuff anymore?
Nah, too much weight, maybe titanium would be the appropriate material for cycling head cases to ward off evil/negative microwaves.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Hah! That's what I thought until we had a child. Now I love the big purple guy.
I agree with you on that. Lot's of "great advice" about raising children comes from those who have zero experience. Bicycling relevancy? Read the Car-free forum for all sorts of new age chatter about how simple and practical it is for families in the US to eliminate automobiles from their daily lives through the exclusive use of bicycles. Almost all such comments come from people who have no personal experience with or empathy for working adults who are raising school age children.

[Laika]

I agree with you on that. Lot's of "great advice" about raising children comes from those who have zero experience.

OTOH, I have three kids and find Barney insipid, as do my kids.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

OTOH, I have three kids and find Barney insipid, as do my kids.
Well, I find Masterpiece Theater a bore. Should I be puzzled or outraged over the fact that PBS broadcasts it anyway to those who have different preferences than me or my three kids (now grown up)?

Not only that, I think British humor/humour and men who wear dresses for laughs on film aren't that funny and Benny Hill/Monty Python should be tossed from publicly supported TV for corrupting the morals of the terminally stupid. So there; makes as much sense as a smug BarneyBasher rant.

[brokenrobot]

Yeah, the next thing ya know, they'll be thinking they should be nice to others, share things, be good to the environment, and a long list of other subversive stuff.


Hey, raise your kids to be liberal moonbats if you must - we don't have a problem until they start singing in public. If you can expose them to the dinosaur without them thinking singing's OK, more power to you!

[brokenrobot]

Well, I find Masterpiece Theater a bore. Should I be puzzled or outraged over the fact that PBS broadcasts it anyway to those who have different preferences than me or my three kids (now grown up)?

Not only that, I think British humor/humour and men who wear dresses for laughs on film aren't that funny and Benny Hill/Monty Python should be tossed from publicly supported TV for corrupting the morals of the terminally stupid. So there; makes as much sense as a smug BarneyBasher rant.

Just curious, but having looked through your psot history, I can't find even one example of a post where you've said something positive or even simply expressed an opinion on some neutral topic. Your entire posting history seems to be dedicated to eradicating a number of imaginary conspiracies that only you can see: first the Gang of Real Cycling Advocates and now the Smug BarneyBashers Without Children. What's up with that? Are you really as relentlessly angry as you seem?

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Just curious, but having looked through your psot history, I can't find even one example of a post where you've said something positive or even simply expressed an opinion on some neutral topic. Your entire posting history seems to be dedicated to eradicating a number of imaginary conspiracies that only you can see: first the Gang of Real Cycling Advocates and now the Smug BarneyBashers Without Children. What's up with that? Are you really as relentlessly angry as you seem?
Have you been watching CSI or Columbo reruns.?

I am a happy skeptic/critic of the product enmanating from smug know-it-alls who pass moral judgements on others based on their self appointed expert/serious/real/true status. And no forum members meet that criteria better than the the zealous promoters of wacky advocacy schemes and/or political correctness for bicyclists.

I sometimes respond to those who have a hint of intelligence, Of course there are a few out right nut jobs ranting on about the enemies of "real" cyclists like themselves and I usually ignore them. I made an exception on this thread and will now correct it.

[brokenrobot]

Have you been watching CSI or Columbo reruns.?

I am a happy skeptic/critic of the product enmanating from smug know-it-alls who pass moral judgements on others based on their self appointed expert/serious/real/true status. And no forum members meet that criteria better than the the zealous promoters of wacky advocacy schemes and/or political correctness for bicyclists.

I sometimes respond to those who have a hint of intelligence, Of course there are a few out right nut jobs ranting on about the enemies of "real" cyclists like themselves and I usually ignore them. I made an exception on this thread and will now correct it.

Well, it's been a pleasure working with you, and I'm sorry to see you leave the thread. Finding people who simply cannot see the joke even when their faces are rubbed in it always makes me truly happy. I thought the bit with the foil-hat study would SURELY tip you to my ruse, but you sure showed me!

[Laika]

Well, I find Masterpiece Theater a bore. Should I be puzzled or outraged over the fact that PBS broadcasts it anyway to those who have different preferences than me or my three kids (now grown up)?

Not only that, I think British humor/humour and men who wear dresses for laughs on film aren't that funny and Benny Hill/Monty Python should be tossed from publicly supported TV for corrupting the morals of the terminally stupid. So there; makes as much sense as a smug BarneyBasher rant.
Wow, you've got a bug about something! Previous to this post, I'd posted a total of 35 words spread over two posts in this thread. Not sure how that qualifies as a rant, but whatever... I guess you're working out some other issues and something aboout what i posted just set you off. In addition, your tangent on British comedy is both a complete non-sequitur and is actually wrong in spots, as Benny Hill wasn't on PBS, and Monty Python was produced under the auspices of BBC, not PBS (though they were rebroadcast here on PBS for a while). And as regards your puzzlement or outrage...what works for me, when I find something as insipid as barney, is to not watch it. I don't find that I get puzzled or outraged about it at all. The next time you hear Alastair Cooke's plummy tones, you may want to do the same, rather than giving yourself over to puzzlement and outrage.

[Laika]

Yeah, the next thing ya know, they'll be thinking they should be nice to others, share things, be good to the environment, and a long list of other subversive stuff.
We manage to teach that stuff w/o the guy in the creepy suit. Don't mean to be prescriptive, that's just what's worked best for us.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

In addition, your tangent on British comedy is both a complete non-sequitur and is actually wrong in spots, as...
Your server must have deleted my response qualifier that - an aversion to some types of some British Shows on PBS calls for scorn of those who watch, made as much sense as BarneyBashing.

Anyhow now I stand corrected about which actual organizations produce which British shows. PLEASE continue to express your opinions about which Children's shows you find insipid.

BTW, Which TV shows have you found that do teach the "right" way (your way) to ride a bicycle?

[JRA]

Another Barney, Barney Fife, is strongly opposed to sidewalk riding. In episode #84 (Opie and the Spoiled Kid) of the Andy Griffith Show, Barney catches the new kid in town, Arnold, riding on the sidewalk. Barney tells Arnold, in no uncertain terms, to ride in the street. When Arnold is caught on the sidewalk a second time, his bike is confiscated.

Arnold is a spoiled brat. He shows Opie how to throw fits, cry and stomp his feet if he doesn't get his way. Arnold gets his comeuppance when his father sides with Andy and Barney and decides to sell the bike.

The Andy Griffith Show teaches the "right" message about sidewalk riding.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Another Barney, Barney Fife, is strongly opposed to sidewalk riding. In episode #84 (Opie and the Spoiled Kid) of the Andy Griffith Show, Barney catches the new kid in town, Arnold, riding on the sidewalk. Barney tells Arnold, in no uncertain terms, to ride in the street. When Arnold is caught on the sidewalk a second time, his bike is confiscated.

Arnold is a spoiled brat. He shows Opie how to throw fits, cry and stomp his feet if he doesn't get his way. Arnold gets his comeuppance when his father sides with Andy and Barney and decides to sell the bike.

The Andy Griffith Show teaches the "right" message about sidewalk riding.
Hey now! Barney Fife! Sure hope he had his helmet cinched down tight.

A new poster boy for promoting bicycling for children. Adults, too! Unfortunatly, Laika might find this show insipid too.

[Digital Gee]

Is there a way to nominate a thread for Thread of the Day accolades? IF there is, I'd nominate this one in a heart beat. I'd like to thank all of you for a most entertaining thread. Truly - got me laughing out loud. Thanks!

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Is there a way to nominate a thread for Thread of the Day accolades? IF there is, I'd nominate this one in a heart beat. I'd like to thank all of you for a most entertaining thread. Truly - got me laughing out loud. Thanks!
Gary,
Great signature line: "Cycling is 50% physical and 90% mental."

I nominate you as Chief Statistician or Data Gatherer/Scooper for the Bicycling Expert Gang of the Bicycle Forums.

[Digital Gee]

Gary,
Great signature line: "Cycling is 50% physical and 90% mental."

I nominate you as Chief Statistician or Data Gatherer/Scooper for the Bicycling Expert Gang of the Bicycle Forums.

I'm honored! Did you know that 64.3% of all statistics are made up on the spot? :D

[chipcom]

Nah, too much weight, maybe titanium would be the appropriate material for cycling head cases to ward off evil/negative microwaves.

Shh, don't be putting ideas into the OCPers heads, next thing you know Starbucks nationwide will be full of roadies in full kit wearing Ti foil helmet covers.

[chipcom]

Not only that, I think British humor/humour and men who wear dresses for laughs on film aren't that funny

So I'm ok as long as I don't wear my pink tutu on film?