risk acceptable riding with toddler?
05-22-08, 07:43 PM
#26
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Well the interesting thing is the book in question is a very pro biking book, but I think the author was trying to very fair about the possible dangers so you would take safety seriously. But, yeah, that seemed really high to me.. especially since it was specifically referencing experienced riders too.
05-24-08, 05:37 AM
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Well, I don't want to preach, but I rode with my kids on one of those child seats that attach behind the seat - pre-helmet days. Neither of us wore one. I rode many a mile with each of them. I don't recall any close incidents - riding is what I did, it's what every other riding father who took his kid with him did in that day.
Today, I wear a helmet, and, when my grand kids come along, if I can pry them away from their parents long enough, I plan on taking them with me on whatever I am riding at the time. They will be equipped with helmets - why not - it's an extra measure of protection.
. . . to the point I really wanted to make, if you take concern for the physical safety of your children to the extreme, you wouldn't take them anywhere you go unless they were the purpose of the trip. Now, that may be more safe physically, but, I am a big believer in the notion that the more time parents spend with their children, the better, so my kids went with me everywhere - vacations, camping (no wife - she hates camping, so the kids and I went without her [with her blessing]). When they were old enough to ride on their own, we rode many miles in varying conditions until their legs could take no more. Took them boating, fishing, to soccer, to music lessons, to my concerts,everywhere.
We are great friends to this day, and my hope is that they will share as much time as they can with their kids as possible (I think that they will).
So, as regards biking, don't exceed that with which you are personally comfortable, but try to figure out some way to include your kids. Giving up your own riding in deference to their safety isn't good for your health, and not including them is less than optimum for that very special relationship that develops when you spend time with them.
I say, ride with 'em. They are safer and developing in the most healthful and beneficial of ways when they are with you, no matter where you have to or choose to go.
My two cents.
Caruso
Today, I wear a helmet, and, when my grand kids come along, if I can pry them away from their parents long enough, I plan on taking them with me on whatever I am riding at the time. They will be equipped with helmets - why not - it's an extra measure of protection.
. . . to the point I really wanted to make, if you take concern for the physical safety of your children to the extreme, you wouldn't take them anywhere you go unless they were the purpose of the trip. Now, that may be more safe physically, but, I am a big believer in the notion that the more time parents spend with their children, the better, so my kids went with me everywhere - vacations, camping (no wife - she hates camping, so the kids and I went without her [with her blessing]). When they were old enough to ride on their own, we rode many miles in varying conditions until their legs could take no more. Took them boating, fishing, to soccer, to music lessons, to my concerts,everywhere.
We are great friends to this day, and my hope is that they will share as much time as they can with their kids as possible (I think that they will).
So, as regards biking, don't exceed that with which you are personally comfortable, but try to figure out some way to include your kids. Giving up your own riding in deference to their safety isn't good for your health, and not including them is less than optimum for that very special relationship that develops when you spend time with them.
I say, ride with 'em. They are safer and developing in the most healthful and beneficial of ways when they are with you, no matter where you have to or choose to go.
My two cents.
Caruso
