Dads on Bikes Series: Benji Nichols
I've decided to add additional features to the blog project that is Life on Two Wheels! Dads on Bikes and Men on Bikes/Men Involved. So if you are a guy who bikes regularly with their kiddos, are involved in the bike riding community in some shape or form, or encourage your partner/wife/girlfriend to ride-we want to hear from you!
I've known Benji for almost 6 years now, ever since I started working at the Co-Op. He and Aryn would come in regularly and I'm an avid reader of their Inspire(d) magazine!
Not long ago, Aryn and Benji welcomed Roxie to the fold, and this dawned on me: Benji is a known bike rider in town...*bam* Interview him!
Not long ago, Aryn and Benji welcomed Roxie to the fold, and this dawned on me: Benji is a known bike rider in town...*bam* Interview him!
So here you go, our first Dad on a Bike!
How do you transport your child?
Roxie & I giddyup in a used bike trailer (older burley style) and an old Trek 970 that I have dedicated to being a 'kid puller'. That way I'm not always having to hook up / take off the trailer and its set up nice for paved surfaces with semi-slick tires and a little different gearing - 1x9.
What
added precautions do you take when transporting a child or having your child
ride with you?
You can't ever possibly underestimate the general
publics' absolutely horrible driving habits. Really, people are horrible drivers
in general. I found an extra tall fiberglass rod to attach a flag to, in
addition to some pink streamers, and I'm not that it actually does any good for
driver visibility. You always have to remember that not only are you the eyes
for your normal defensive riding 'bike' self, but you are the eyes for your
child too - and whatever additional weight / length / time you need to move
your bike rig accordingly. NEVER trust that a driver is going to do the 'right'
thing- ever.
What
is one thing you would like to see different about bike safety/transport in
general that would make you feel safer transporting your child via bicycle?
The larger topic of cyclist visibility is something
that our country really struggles with as a whole. I find that riding as little
as necessary on main streets is the best way to ride safely with a bike trailer
- stick to the side streets, paved trails, etc.
Have
you ever had any close calls while biking with your child? If so, what happened
and what was the outcome? Were you fearful to ride with your child again? How
did you overcome?
I feel like I have close calls with local traffic
about 80% of the time I ride - with or without kiddo in tow. Have I mentioned
that in general people are just really poor drivers? There are specific
intersections in Decorah that I will avoid at almost all costs rather than pull
a bike trailer through. (Knock on wood) I have not bailed with kiddo in tow.
You always have to be aware of your surroundings, stopping distance, starting
distance, and mechanical abilities of your bike.
What
are tips/suggestions you have for starting a bike riding routine with your
child?
Make sure you have equipment that you are
comfortable with - bike and trailer. Make your trailer a FUN place to be for
your kiddo. Kids tend to love bike trailers - getting to see the world zoom by,
talk to their parents while doing it, etc. Also start riding in places you know
are safe. The section of the Trout Run Trail from The Trout Hatchery to the
Campground is a pretty good place to start with minimal street crossings. Over
all, you have to make sure you are comfortable with the concept - if so, the
rest will work out.
How
do you plan on introducing bike riding to your child?
Roxie has been riding in the trailer since she was 6mos.
old. Nobody will recommend you do that - but it provided a lot of naps for her,
and rides for me, that would not have existed otherwise. We have a couple
sit on toys here that she likes to ride, and I can't wait to get her on a
'Strider' type rider this summer.
What
do you enjoy about bike riding with your child?
Kids are awesome - kids want to have fun. They want
to see the world differently - and seeing it from a bike trailer can be a
really fun way. Its a great added activity to things like grocery getting or
errand running, or just for getting outside!
What
would you like people to know about transporting kids by bike?
Don't be scared. Ride defensively. Never assume
traffic will look out for you. Go out there and try it. Ask around if you want
to try it before you buy something, and don't be afraid to look for used
trailers. They can be expensive, and hold their value usually longer than your
child will fit in them!
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