Let the Good Times Roll: Tips for Fun and Safe Cycling with the Family
With National Bike Month this May, it's a perfect time to get out and ride on the Dayton region's more than 300 miles of paved, off-street bikeways.
Let the Good Times Roll: Tips for Fun and Safe Cycling with the Family
The Cutting family calls their time on the bikeways "good, clean family fun."
But more than that, Kettering residents Ben and Michele Cutting and their daughters, Claire and Anna, have found hitting the bikeways is a way to connect, see nature and stay fit.
"We're together," Michele said. "We can talk; the girls can talk to us. Sometimes the grandparents will go. It's a generational (activity) that parents, grandparents and kids can all do."
The Cuttings logged 550 miles last year, including a 22-mile ride at a local bike race for Claire, age 8, and her dad. The rest of the family, including the grandparents, did a shorter-distance event.
Cycling has brought a sense of accomplishment, especially for her daughters, Michele said.
"You're learning to suck it up sometimes, to build endurance," she said. "You can do things maybe you thought you couldn't do."
With National Bike Month this May, it's a perfect time to get out and ride on the Dayton region's more than 300 miles of paved, off-street bikeways — the nation's largest bike trail network. Five Rivers MetroParks, which manages several miles of bikeways, has events planned throughout the month. A great family event, Bike to the Dragons, encourages baseball lovers to ride their bikes to the game. Register online; the first 50 participants will receive complimentary bike parking, prizes and lawn seats.
Here are some tips for safe and fun riding with your kids:
- Know where you want to go — and for how long. Do a short ride around the neighborhood to gauge how far your child can ride, said Lucy Sanchez, outdoor recreation event coordinator at Five Rivers MetroParks. The Cutting family often logs 10- to 12-mile rides together. They rack their bikes on their car and drive to a bike trail, but other families live close enough to jump on the trail from their homes. Angela Mwandia, an Oakwood mother who rides with her sons and husband, found accessing the bike trails near her home an encouragement to riding longer together. Maps of the bike trails can help with planning longer trips.
- Know what equipment fits your family. Try out various options through bike rental or visiting bike shops, said Randy Ryberg, MetroParks outdoor coordinator for cycling. RiverScape Rentals will be open weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day at RiverScape MetroPark, and offers bike and child accessory rentals. Plus, you can access hundreds of miles of paved, off-street bikeways from the park.
- Be safe. All riders should have a well-fitted helmet and wear closed-toe shoes. Bike shops can take a look to make sure a bike is in good riding condition, Ryberg suggested. Make sure all family members are aware of their surroundings on the trail and how to be courteous to other cyclists. Pack snacks, water, sunscreen and Band-Aids for a longer ride.
- Have fun. Children often are motivated to ride to a destination, such as a park. Cycling gives a different view of the world, so plan time to enjoy it, Ryberg said. "Even if you have a destination in mind, allow time to get there so you can take stops and take opportunities to stop and see that turtle on the side of the trail," he said.
* Enjoy nature. An animal-loving family, the Cuttings enjoy the wildlife they see along the way. They've spotted deer, squirrels, garter snakes, rabbits and all kinds of birds.
"We call it 'Wild Ohio' because we get to see different Ohio species," Michele said.
Links & Tags
Five Rivers MetroParks.
