So I guess being taught how to write correctly is a waste of time in schools also?

My mom is a second grade teacher and has been since before I was in second grade. Sorry, but I see the value in giving kids the opportunity to do something correctly. It's not like you put them under any *pressure* by simply giving them the knowledge to do something right. You become a crazy parent when you force your kid to do things your way.

P.S. Who needs foot retention when you have brakes, anyhow? As I said before, the only dangerous thing on a fixed gear is the possibility of things getting caught in the drivetrain. This is when you teach your kid proper safety. If the kid is old enough to ride a bike without training wheels, imo, s/he is old enough to ride a fixed gear. Of all the things a kid is exposed on a daily basis, bicycles rank low, if they rank at all.