Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycle Safety

Wiki Wednesday: Urban Bicycling With Children

sidewalk_bike.jpgAlready a prolific contributor to the Streetsblog Flickr pool, BicyclesOnly has recently put together a StreetsWiki guide to "Urban Bicycling With Children." The entry kicks off with a look at some of the less obvious benefits to biking with kids:

Bicycling with children initiates so-called "virtuous cycles"that further promote bicycling. Parents who bicycle with theirchildren may be encouraged to bicycle more often because of theirchildren's enthusiasm for bicycling. Adults bicycling with childrentend to zealously guard their children's safety, becoming potentadvocates on the road and with government for improving bicyclingsafety. Motorists tend to drive less aggressively when they are awareof children bicycling nearby. Children who bicycle regularly will bemore likely to bicycle as adults. In all of these ways, urbanbicycling with children promotes bicycling and bicycling safetygenerally. 

As Enrique Penalosa has said, "The measure of a good city is one where a child on a tricycle or bicycle can safely go anywhere."  Parents can help realize this vision of a good city by bicycling with their children and making sure that they are safe.

After the multi-generational turnout for New York's first Summer Streets Saturday, the audience for this type of information should be on the rise.

Which reminds me, there's a new wiki entry on Summer Streets that's just begging to be filled out. I'm sure there are plenty of Streetsbloggers out there who can chip in. All you need to contribute is a Livable Streets account.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Tuesday’s Headlines: Valley of Political Death Edition

Did you see the new poll showing congestion pricing is really unpopular? Ignore it! Good times are coming. Plus other news in today's headlines.

April 23, 2024

Open Streets Groups Warn of Extra Red Tape to Run Events

Two weeks notice for hopscotch or a yoga class?

April 23, 2024

Monday’s Headlines: A Federal Case over Parking Edition

We're flicking our bicycle bell over a big scoop last week that no one picked up on...yet. Plus other news.

April 22, 2024

Hochul, Legislators Reach Toll Evasion Crackdown Deal

Higher fines for covering a plate and for not paying tolls are part of the budget deal inked on Saturday.

April 22, 2024

Behind the Scenes: How Gov. Hochul Got ‘Sammy’s Law’ Over the Finish Line

Opponents didn't want to put their name on a no vote for the life-saving measure.

April 22, 2024
See all posts