Syndey, warn your eldest son right away about his rights on the road. Stress that except for a few instances, he belongs on the road, not the sidewalk. Sidwalks give a false sense of security-even for pedestians. Unless there is no driveways crossing at right angles to the sidewalk, you actually have more potentual run-ins with cars. Remember that cars tend to watch other large vehicles on the road and respect them because it is in their own best interest. Smaller, slower vehicles (bikes and wheelchairs)and pedestrians are considered simply in the way. Out on the road, you become at one with the traffic and others caged in their motor vehicles. The only time I had an major accident with a motor vehicle was when I followed my mother's advice (a woman who cannot even balanced on a bike) to stay on a sidewalk. Unless needed, I avoid the sidewalk. I live in Los Angeles where bikes are suppose to stay on some awful bike path for recreational cyclists.