those who commute - married and children
02-20-13 | 03:09 PM
#76
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, Oregon
Bikes: 2014 Specialized Dolce Triple, 1987 Schwinn Tempo, 2012 Windsor Kensington 8
Some of my earliest memories are of my mom taking me along on errands on one of those Danish-style up-front child seats. Parents in developing countries manage to cart their children around with no cars, so I'm sure you and your wife will be able to figure things out, and you'll be able to share your love of riding with your future child(ren).
(I swear I've seen a bassinet-style front basket for a baby on a bicycle in Japan.)
(I swear I've seen a bassinet-style front basket for a baby on a bicycle in Japan.)
02-20-13 | 04:03 PM
#77
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 705
Likes: 0
Bikes: Bianchi circa late 1980s, Surly Cross Check, Kona Blast
All our public elementary schools have bus service. Most high school students get transit passes if they live too far to walk.
Here's what I've observed I'm in my city:
Some parents send their kids to a school outside their district so they don't qualify for the bus service so they have to drive them in.
Some parents live to close to get bus service (ie. close enough to walk) so they drive them in on there way to work.
Some parents are afraid of letting their older kids walk/bike on their own.
Some parents are always running late so they drive their kids in since they missed the bus.
There's also no bus service for those who send their kids to before and/or after hours childcare.
In my case, the school is across the street so we'll walk with them until they'll be responsible enough to do it themselves.
Here's what I've observed I'm in my city:
Some parents send their kids to a school outside their district so they don't qualify for the bus service so they have to drive them in.
Some parents live to close to get bus service (ie. close enough to walk) so they drive them in on there way to work.
Some parents are afraid of letting their older kids walk/bike on their own.
Some parents are always running late so they drive their kids in since they missed the bus.
There's also no bus service for those who send their kids to before and/or after hours childcare.
In my case, the school is across the street so we'll walk with them until they'll be responsible enough to do it themselves.
Ideally when I have kids they will walk or cycle to school.
Last edited by kmv2; 02-20-13 at 04:07 PM.
02-20-13 | 04:11 PM
#78
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, VA
I've been commuting by bike for 10 years and have two kids (5yo and 2yo). While it change your routine, having kids doesnt have to end the commuting. I took the kids to daycare in a trailer when they were both there, left the trailer locked up at the daycare, and my wife picked it and kids up in the evening. Now that the older one is in kindergarten, they are going different places. I could still pull it off with the trailer but time is short, so I drop them off in the car, but since the second dropoff is near home, I drop the car off at home and switch to the bike after I do the second dropoff and ride in. It just takes a little more planning...
02-21-13 | 11:09 AM
#79
Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Finland
Bikes: BMC Roadracer, Cube Cross Race Disc
I commute three times a week, in the summer season about 4-5 times a week. I have two kids, 4 yo and 6 yo. I do the same thing as peliot. I take the kids to their daycare/preschool in the car, drop the car off back to home and get on the bike. No problem. Wife or grandparents pick the kids up in the afternoon.
Kids do limit my riding time, because I want to spend time with them. There's no point in having kids and think that they will have no impact on your life. That's why I decided to ride whenever it's possible, early in the mornings, late in the evenings, and in any weather (rain, ice, snow), and never make excuses for not riding. It would be way too easy in this situation...
Kids do limit my riding time, because I want to spend time with them. There's no point in having kids and think that they will have no impact on your life. That's why I decided to ride whenever it's possible, early in the mornings, late in the evenings, and in any weather (rain, ice, snow), and never make excuses for not riding. It would be way too easy in this situation...
02-21-13 | 12:18 PM
#81
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
Their high school is about 6km, too far to walk so they have to be bused, school or city. By coincidence, the city bus route that will take them directly to the school happens to be 1 corner closer than their school bus stop.
Their high school is the furthest of the 5 high schools within 6 km of our house but it is the only English Catholic within that range, the other English Catholic is about 12km away: the other 4 are either French Catholic or English Public (each of the 3 have their own specializations).
02-21-13 | 03:07 PM
#82
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 6
From: Western Florida
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2011 Mezzo D9, Gazelle Ultimate C380
I'm a married guy. Baby boy on the way (our first!!!). I'm getting a lot of crap from a coworker. He insistently tells me I won't be riding anymore after he's born. I can't emphasize enough that he's really not joking anymore. At first he laughed about it, now not so much. I'm really starting to believe he simply HATES the fact I ride in nearly every morning to work. It's rare I drive anymore... besides winter. I drive 1 day out of the week in the winter.
SO, how many of you are married and with children and/or newborns? Are newborns any different vs grown children for those of you who commute? FYI - my wife drives everywhere. She does not bike commute at all. One of the reasons I ride to work is because I believe that pushing on a bike pedal vs a gas pedal is one way to make the planet a better place for my child(ren). I don't only do it for fitness/training/exercise/fun. I want to raise my child to see that you don't have to drive everywhere. I don't want to sit on the couch every night and do nothing. I *want* to be as healthy as I can, so I can keep up with him as he gets older. I want him to look up to his dad and see that if you have the will to do something, you can get it done no matter what! Some people will never experience the sense of accomplishment you get from riding 10 miles to work, 25 mph headwind with single digit temps. Am I supposed to simply stop bike commuting (or cycling for that matter) simply because I have a child now?
Is it bad for me to want my wife to drive the baby wherever we are going to end up having him watched while we are at work (she chooses to drive right now... her attitude might change in the future)? I am (and always will) work day shift - only option where I work (IT). My wife works second shift now, but won't in the future. She will probably switch to first shift after she gets done with college (she will be finishing college when we have baby).
Is the future really that grim for me? Am I going to never ride again like this a**hole tells me? Why is he being such a downer? It was funny at first... but after 3 months of him being more and more insistent (like a know-it-all), it's getting old. I do get the same every once in a while from others, but not nearly as much. Thankfully I don't work *with* him, just eat lunch with the guy.
I ride to work. What's the difference, besides driving the baby where he needs to go, from me driving to work and riding my bike to work? Heck, after baby is a year or older, I'll tack on a trailer on the bike and bike him to daycare. We have a daycare center less than a quarter mile from home. If anything I can take him over there on the bike with the trailer, go back home, get on my commuting bike and bike to work. I just get tired of people telling me I won't be riding to work/ or even riding at all when the baby comes. I'm sorry, but this is part of my life... so deal with it... or are they right? I need advice! I need someone to tell me it's not as bad as what people are telling me it's going to be like. I know I won't be putting in 7000+ miles a year for the time being... but I sure as heck am not going down to 0.
SO, how many of you are married and with children and/or newborns? Are newborns any different vs grown children for those of you who commute? FYI - my wife drives everywhere. She does not bike commute at all. One of the reasons I ride to work is because I believe that pushing on a bike pedal vs a gas pedal is one way to make the planet a better place for my child(ren). I don't only do it for fitness/training/exercise/fun. I want to raise my child to see that you don't have to drive everywhere. I don't want to sit on the couch every night and do nothing. I *want* to be as healthy as I can, so I can keep up with him as he gets older. I want him to look up to his dad and see that if you have the will to do something, you can get it done no matter what! Some people will never experience the sense of accomplishment you get from riding 10 miles to work, 25 mph headwind with single digit temps. Am I supposed to simply stop bike commuting (or cycling for that matter) simply because I have a child now?
Is it bad for me to want my wife to drive the baby wherever we are going to end up having him watched while we are at work (she chooses to drive right now... her attitude might change in the future)? I am (and always will) work day shift - only option where I work (IT). My wife works second shift now, but won't in the future. She will probably switch to first shift after she gets done with college (she will be finishing college when we have baby).
Is the future really that grim for me? Am I going to never ride again like this a**hole tells me? Why is he being such a downer? It was funny at first... but after 3 months of him being more and more insistent (like a know-it-all), it's getting old. I do get the same every once in a while from others, but not nearly as much. Thankfully I don't work *with* him, just eat lunch with the guy.
I ride to work. What's the difference, besides driving the baby where he needs to go, from me driving to work and riding my bike to work? Heck, after baby is a year or older, I'll tack on a trailer on the bike and bike him to daycare. We have a daycare center less than a quarter mile from home. If anything I can take him over there on the bike with the trailer, go back home, get on my commuting bike and bike to work. I just get tired of people telling me I won't be riding to work/ or even riding at all when the baby comes. I'm sorry, but this is part of my life... so deal with it... or are they right? I need advice! I need someone to tell me it's not as bad as what people are telling me it's going to be like. I know I won't be putting in 7000+ miles a year for the time being... but I sure as heck am not going down to 0.
I have three children and I ride often (commute/errands/etc.) and don't let anyone stop me or influence that. If it is way too inconvenient I give up the pedals and go with the car. I find it's best not to overthink it, but simply ride when you can. The kids ride with me often (at least once per week when our schedules permit).
Lastly, I would set it straight with the guy and tell him that his "point" is getting old and ask him to take up another subject. If it bothers you that much and he still refuses after you being so clear I'd eat at another table.
02-21-13 | 03:10 PM
#83
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 6
From: Western Florida
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2011 Mezzo D9, Gazelle Ultimate C380
+1. It's not like he's jumping out of an airplane with the kid everyday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-zFT-Iqc0g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8NN2qvu9Gc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TB8zAouqcE
If they can do it - hmmm...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-zFT-Iqc0g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8NN2qvu9Gc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TB8zAouqcE
If they can do it - hmmm...
Last edited by Ridefreemc; 02-21-13 at 03:21 PM.
02-21-13 | 03:41 PM
#84
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
From: Bremen, Germany
Bikes: Poison Chinin IGH
OP, commuting by bike is nice, but don't get fixed just on that. There are plenty of ways how to stay fit and motivated, try to combine them with your passion for cycling. If it gets tough then look around, what other options are available? Perhaps you can arrange your life in a way that you don't need to bike/drive far to bring the kid to the daycare? Or maybe that you won't have to bring the child there often and spend more time together?
I have twin daughters, now they are two years old, and we commute, camp and travel by bike since they were five months old. At that time we got a used Chariot Cougar with hammocks and it's put to use practically daily.
I took the advantage of the local system and got six months of partly payed parental leave, so our mom could get back to work (she needed that badly by that moment). I used the trailer almost daily, this was the only way for me to put the kids to sleep outside on the fresh air. That was about 20-25 kilometres of riding like 6 times per week. Pretty good mileage for the situation.
Later I switched to the home officing so that we could move to a smaller city where my wife's institute is, we found a larger appartment for the same money we payed before, daycare is really close to our place, etc. Now I still need to go to the office once a week and get back home the next day. That is ~50 miles one way and I do it by bike. This and couple of late night training rides per week cover all my needs for cycling. Surprisingly I am less fixed on cycling now and two years ago I was totally obsessed with it. Probably because the major part of my commutes was done by train and a little was left for the bicycle.
I realize that not everybody can have such a freedom in how and where to work, but three years ago I could not imagine I would find all those options. Good luck and give all your support to your wife, she'll need it. If the first few months (it can be 2 or 18) seem to be harder than "promised", don't worry, that's normal.
PS. The problem with a coworker doesn't seem to be a real problem. It's a matter of explaining that guy once that you don't feel like discussing this topic with him.
I have twin daughters, now they are two years old, and we commute, camp and travel by bike since they were five months old. At that time we got a used Chariot Cougar with hammocks and it's put to use practically daily.
I took the advantage of the local system and got six months of partly payed parental leave, so our mom could get back to work (she needed that badly by that moment). I used the trailer almost daily, this was the only way for me to put the kids to sleep outside on the fresh air. That was about 20-25 kilometres of riding like 6 times per week. Pretty good mileage for the situation.
Later I switched to the home officing so that we could move to a smaller city where my wife's institute is, we found a larger appartment for the same money we payed before, daycare is really close to our place, etc. Now I still need to go to the office once a week and get back home the next day. That is ~50 miles one way and I do it by bike. This and couple of late night training rides per week cover all my needs for cycling. Surprisingly I am less fixed on cycling now and two years ago I was totally obsessed with it. Probably because the major part of my commutes was done by train and a little was left for the bicycle.
I realize that not everybody can have such a freedom in how and where to work, but three years ago I could not imagine I would find all those options. Good luck and give all your support to your wife, she'll need it. If the first few months (it can be 2 or 18) seem to be harder than "promised", don't worry, that's normal.
PS. The problem with a coworker doesn't seem to be a real problem. It's a matter of explaining that guy once that you don't feel like discussing this topic with him.
02-21-13 | 07:39 PM
#85
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Bikes: Trek 9th District, CAAD 10, Crux
Ride your bike to work when you have a newborn? You selfish bastard! 
Seriously, I have 2 young kids and my bicycle commuting habits are not even on my wife's radar. She knows it makes me happy, reduces my stress and keeps me healthy. I mean, it's not like you are hanging out at the bar with the guys on a nightly basis. Well, if you are, THAT might have to change a little.
Also, be prepared for those that tell you that you are being irresponsible for commuting via bicycle when you have kids. I have a co-worker who occasionally reminds me about my "dangerous lifestyle".
Seriously, I have 2 young kids and my bicycle commuting habits are not even on my wife's radar. She knows it makes me happy, reduces my stress and keeps me healthy. I mean, it's not like you are hanging out at the bar with the guys on a nightly basis. Well, if you are, THAT might have to change a little.
Also, be prepared for those that tell you that you are being irresponsible for commuting via bicycle when you have kids. I have a co-worker who occasionally reminds me about my "dangerous lifestyle".
02-22-13 | 04:04 AM
#86
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
I have two kids (4 and 1 year old) and while I do still commute by bike, I can only do so because my wife takes them in the morning. If she had an earlier morning schedule, I'd have to take the car to save time.
We use this for the school and grocery runs:
We use this for the school and grocery runs:
02-22-13 | 04:31 AM
#87
Formerly Known as Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,249
Likes: 5
From: Helsinki, Finland
[I wrote a lengthy reply here, but realised it boils down to a couple of points]
I don't think the priorities are overly complicated here: my bike commuting and family obligations may be mutually exclusive on occasions, no matter how hard I try and how supportive my SO is. When (not if) that happens, family first.
If there's any advice I can offer, it's this: don't plan your life ahead too much right now. You don't know what you're getting into. Nobody else knows what you're getting into either, their kids and circumstances and marriage are all different from yours. The kid will be the biggest thing in your life, enjoy that feeling to the fullest. You'll see how it goes and what options are open in your situation, for you. You will be able to bike commute, but not necessarily to the extent you do now, at least not for a while.
Good thing is, more options open as the baby grows. For example, next summer our baby will be old enough to sit in a trailer - I'm beyond excited to get to make our first small holiday bike trip as a family.
Congrats again!
--J
__________________
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
Last edited by Juha; 02-22-13 at 04:49 AM.
02-22-13 | 04:41 AM
#88
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,835
Likes: 1
From: Incheon, South Korea
Bikes: Nothing amazing... cheap old 21 speed mtb
I have a 14 month old and a six year old. I ride 400km very week. In the morning at 4am I do a 30km training ride. I get home, sort out the kids, then ride to work. In the weekens I ride 6-8 hourson Sunday. If I go shopping I load my eldest daughter on the back. Going to costco I ride my cargo bike. My wife likes to drive so I let her ferry the kids if it gcomes nessecary. Kids won't stop you riding. It does cramp your training time a bit though. Be prepared for late or early rides.
02-22-13 | 09:24 AM
#89
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 705
Likes: 0
Bikes: Bianchi circa late 1980s, Surly Cross Check, Kona Blast
I'm in Sudbury. When we moved to our current home, our sons were 5 & 7 and excited to be able to walk to school (about 5 min away). However, in the winter, they seemed to take about 30 min, which was more than could be accounted for by the more challenging walking conditions so one day, we watched them from afar and learned that they would go up and down and slide on every snow bank in the 500 meter route home.
Their high school is about 6km, too far to walk so they have to be bused, school or city. By coincidence, the city bus route that will take them directly to the school happens to be 1 corner closer than their school bus stop.
Their high school is the furthest of the 5 high schools within 6 km of our house but it is the only English Catholic within that range, the other English Catholic is about 12km away: the other 4 are either French Catholic or English Public (each of the 3 have their own specializations).
Their high school is about 6km, too far to walk so they have to be bused, school or city. By coincidence, the city bus route that will take them directly to the school happens to be 1 corner closer than their school bus stop.
Their high school is the furthest of the 5 high schools within 6 km of our house but it is the only English Catholic within that range, the other English Catholic is about 12km away: the other 4 are either French Catholic or English Public (each of the 3 have their own specializations).
Sudbury was nice, I was staying there for two weeks with no bike, so I did some trail running in some of the nature/conservation areas.
02-22-13 | 09:27 AM
#90
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 705
Likes: 0
Bikes: Bianchi circa late 1980s, Surly Cross Check, Kona Blast
I also don't ask about everyone's drive in to work every day, and I certainly do not want to talk or hear about it!
02-22-13 | 11:33 AM
#91
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: East Bay
Bikes: Globe Vienna 3 Disc
I haven't read this whole thread, but ill add this.
I don't have kids yet. But my downstairs neighbors have 2 boys. Dad cycle commutes every day and mom drives. While it would be easy for the mother to drive the kids to daycare everyday, the dad chooses to drop them off on his bike on the way tto his job. He says it is quality time with his boys. As the boys grow, his bike setup is always changing (trailer, kid seat, ride behind), but he still does it everyday. He has been somewhat of an inspiration to me and when I finally have kids. Don't know what life will deliver at that time, but I plan to do the same If I can.
I don't have kids yet. But my downstairs neighbors have 2 boys. Dad cycle commutes every day and mom drives. While it would be easy for the mother to drive the kids to daycare everyday, the dad chooses to drop them off on his bike on the way tto his job. He says it is quality time with his boys. As the boys grow, his bike setup is always changing (trailer, kid seat, ride behind), but he still does it everyday. He has been somewhat of an inspiration to me and when I finally have kids. Don't know what life will deliver at that time, but I plan to do the same If I can.
02-22-13 | 12:16 PM
#92
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Sirrus
I've had to stop bike commuting since Jan this year due to some change circumstances - something that I really cannot work around. So my cycling has been restricted to errands and weekends. This thread inspired me, so I got up at 5 am today to go on a early morning ride. I plan to do that everyday, so thanks everyone for setting a good example
02-24-13 | 03:22 AM
#93
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Bikes: Cannondale Bad Boy Hybrid, Novara Ponderosa 29er
I married for 23 years with three teenage boys. Two years ago, I rode 3 plus days 20 miles round trip to work.
Just tell your co-worker if daddy isn't healthy and the planet is overtaxed, that is not responsible.
You're exercising your rights.
I'm so glad I worked with a ton of road and mountain bike riders. Heck, several of my company's execs rock their motorcycles in good weather.
Just tell your co-worker if daddy isn't healthy and the planet is overtaxed, that is not responsible.
You're exercising your rights.
I'm so glad I worked with a ton of road and mountain bike riders. Heck, several of my company's execs rock their motorcycles in good weather.
02-28-13 | 12:57 AM
#96
or tarckeemoon, depending
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,017
Likes: 2
From: the pesto of cities
Bikes: Davidson Impulse, Merckx Titanium AX, Bruce Gordon Rock & Road, Cross Check custom build, On-One Il Pomino, Shawver Cycles cross, Zion 737, Mercian Vincitore, Brompton S1L, Charge Juicer
I have a 2 1/2 year old.
Wife is also a cyclist and fair weather commuter. Dropping our son off at day care sort of threw a wrench in our old routine since the logistics of transporting him by bike (in the morning) can be tough.
Most days I ride and she drives with him, but sometimes she rides and I drive him. In the warmer months we were all able to ride. She'd ride him in with the trailer and I'd meet up with them at the end of the day, hitch the trailer to my bike, and we'd all ride home together. It was pretty great. Sadly my work situation will probably be radically different by the time this summer rolls around
My advice is to be patient and find some ways to pitch in in the morning. It can feel like you're never going to get out the door, but you will.
Wife is also a cyclist and fair weather commuter. Dropping our son off at day care sort of threw a wrench in our old routine since the logistics of transporting him by bike (in the morning) can be tough.
Most days I ride and she drives with him, but sometimes she rides and I drive him. In the warmer months we were all able to ride. She'd ride him in with the trailer and I'd meet up with them at the end of the day, hitch the trailer to my bike, and we'd all ride home together. It was pretty great. Sadly my work situation will probably be radically different by the time this summer rolls around
My advice is to be patient and find some ways to pitch in in the morning. It can feel like you're never going to get out the door, but you will.
02-28-13 | 01:40 AM
#97
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 105
Likes: 2
From: So. California
Bikes: Trek 4300, Univega Alpina Sport...
Ask your coworker to ride in with you, supply a borrowed bike if need be. This way, he can coach you through or show you all the pitfalls to be on the watchout for. Offer to show up at his house for the morning ride, or he can meet you at yours. If he refuses to ride with you, even once, then dress him down as a vile-spewing coward that has no VALUABLE input and merits no further consideration in your decisions, for he will remain an ignorant non entity. Nothing worth your worries.
And then, ride your arse off enjoying the fresh morning air and freedom (freddom) you and your family deserve!
-mrlassiter
And then, ride your arse off enjoying the fresh morning air and freedom (freddom) you and your family deserve!
-mrlassiter
02-28-13 | 06:43 AM
#98
The Recumbent Quant
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,094
Likes: 8
From: Fairfield, CT
Bikes: 2012 Cruzbike Sofrider, 2013 Cruzigami Mantis, 2016 Folding CruziTandem
Ask your coworker to ride in with you, supply a borrowed bike if need be. This way, he can coach you through or show you all the pitfalls to be on the watchout for. Offer to show up at his house for the morning ride, or he can meet you at yours. If he refuses to ride with you, even once, then dress him down as a vile-spewing coward that has no VALUABLE input and merits no further consideration in your decisions, for he will remain an ignorant non entity. Nothing worth your worries.
And then, ride your arse off enjoying the fresh morning air and freedom (freddom) you and your family deserve!
-mrlassiter
And then, ride your arse off enjoying the fresh morning air and freedom (freddom) you and your family deserve!
-mrlassiter
The co-worker has an issue with him riding his bike. I'm very willing to believe that this means he doesn't ride bikes very much (if at all). How is getting advice from somebody with no experience useful at all? And if he doesn't ride a bike, I doubt this little ride will help him change his mind about anything.
02-28-13 | 06:52 AM
#99
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 42
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
If it were me, I would talk with my other colleagues and get them to congratulate you in front of that colleague as much as humanly possible.
Just watching the guy erupt would be worth the effort.
If he's going to be a PITA, you might as well get something out having to deal with him on a daily basis
Just watching the guy erupt would be worth the effort.
If he's going to be a PITA, you might as well get something out having to deal with him on a daily basis
02-28-13 | 11:02 AM
#100
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Well I didn't read the whole thread, but here's my situation:
I just got back into cycling in May of last year, when my kid was already 2 1/2 years old. My wife stays at home, and the kid can be a handful for her at times. With a bike commute route of 14+ miles each way (using the route I have chosen as the best, though not actually having done it), the commute would take probably 1h 20m each way at least, where driving takes a mere 20 minutes. That's nearly 3 hours on the bike in a day, 2 of which could be at home helping around the house. Plus I have to be at home AT 5 pm 2 days a week since my wife teaches Zumba classes in the evening on those days.
I only get to see my kid a few hours in the evening each day. 1h 20m of hilly, arduous, 2-lane no-shoulder commuting vs. 20m of driving - I'll take the driving so I can spend that extra hour with my son. I hope one day our work and/or living situation will permit bike commuting, but as of now it's really just not in the cards.
As for general cycling in itself, I can't just jump outside for a ride whenever I want, like I could if we didn't have a child. Because my wife stays at home with our son 9-10 hours a day, every week day, I feel compelled to help out whenever I can. If he's staying with the grandparents or something then I can ride, but otherwise for something like a night group ride I feel bad if it's more than once a month or so, since my wife then has to stay at home alone with our son during that time as well.
I just got back into cycling in May of last year, when my kid was already 2 1/2 years old. My wife stays at home, and the kid can be a handful for her at times. With a bike commute route of 14+ miles each way (using the route I have chosen as the best, though not actually having done it), the commute would take probably 1h 20m each way at least, where driving takes a mere 20 minutes. That's nearly 3 hours on the bike in a day, 2 of which could be at home helping around the house. Plus I have to be at home AT 5 pm 2 days a week since my wife teaches Zumba classes in the evening on those days.
I only get to see my kid a few hours in the evening each day. 1h 20m of hilly, arduous, 2-lane no-shoulder commuting vs. 20m of driving - I'll take the driving so I can spend that extra hour with my son. I hope one day our work and/or living situation will permit bike commuting, but as of now it's really just not in the cards.
As for general cycling in itself, I can't just jump outside for a ride whenever I want, like I could if we didn't have a child. Because my wife stays at home with our son 9-10 hours a day, every week day, I feel compelled to help out whenever I can. If he's staying with the grandparents or something then I can ride, but otherwise for something like a night group ride I feel bad if it's more than once a month or so, since my wife then has to stay at home alone with our son during that time as well.