I was out on a
local MUP with a gaggle of 3rd-6th grade boys this morning. About 20 in all, plus the adults. We went down to the beach and back, 27 miles in all.
The reaction from several cyclists on the trail was interesting. I recall one 50-ish guy, in particular, shaking his head with obvious disdain. I narrowly avoided a collision with another rider who attempted to pass the mass of all of us without saying anything except "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" as he narrowly missed me and a couple of the kids. I would guess he had slowed from 20+ mph to maybe 15 mph.
I think I understand where that disdainful guy was coming from; I'm not much of a cyclist, but I do about 75 miles/week on that same MUP. Kids are worrisome when you're on the trail.
At the same time, is it bad to try getting some kids interested in riding?