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

Cycling Kids: The True Indicator of a Bike-Friendly City

false

There's been a lot of talk this week about who's riding bikes. A new report finds that the growth in cycling in the U.S. is reflected most dramatically in populations that tend to be marginalized or ignored, while New York City's transportation commissioner says she'd like to see more women on Citi Bikes.

Wrapping up a trip to Copenhagen (the lucky dog is now in Amsterdam), Jonathan Maus of Bike Portland wrote that a true hospitable cycling environment is one that safely accommodates children.

Young children ride bikes in Copenhagen in great numbers. And they do it by themselves through the city's busiest intersections amid massive groups of riders. Before I came here, I expected to see lots of families biking together; but I wasn't prepared to see so many kids riding their own bikes.

Maus describes what it's like to ride in "everyday" bike traffic in the Danish capital: "There's a huge mob of other people cycling around you and suddenly you no longer feel like a tiny ant next to a massive machine that can crush you. Instead you feel relaxed, safe, powerful and confident. It's that type of environment that allows kids to ride on their own."

"When kids feel confident enough to ride on their own -- and parents let them -- then your city has truly earned the 'bike-friendly' label."

Elsewhere on the Network today: FABB Blog has tips on choosing a kids' bike. Transportation for America explains how Washington dropped the ball on bridge maintenance. And the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy reports that Kentucky is set to cut the ribbon on the state's longest rail-trail.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Christmas Sockings: Carl Heastie and Andrea Stewart-Cousins Say ‘No’ to Better Transit

The transit world is reeling this week after the two legislative leaders put a block on the MTA's capital plan.

December 26, 2024

Streetsies 2024: Vote For This Year’s Biggest Failures

Overall, it was a pretty sad year. But what was the city and state's worst failures? You get to vote!

December 26, 2024

Streetsies 2024: Vote for this Year’s Best Livable Streets Projects

This year had some bright spots for livable streets projects. Here are the ones that stood out.

December 26, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: Christmukkah Edition

We took yesterday off to celebrate the many holidays and to see the new Bob Dylan movie. But there was lots of news.

December 26, 2024

On Christmas, Let’s Consider the Successes of the Livable Streets Movement

Here's a short, heartwarming film about the successes experienced this year by the livable streets movement.

December 25, 2024
See all posts