At 12 I was riding to and from school every day on busy roads. It was 5 miles each way. For the first six months or so I took less traveled back roads through residential neighborhoods to avoid cars. Got lost once, that was awesome. I thought I had remembered a shortcut my dad used to take, but that was a bust once I missed a turn. As I grew more comfortable I moved to the much busier roads. I'd still take the back roads from time to time. The hills were better so it was more of a challenge than the relatively flat parkways that cut through the adjacent hills. After a while I was looking for ways to add distance. I say get the kiddo out there!