Moms on Bikes Series: Patty
Patty with her daughter |
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How do you transport your child? Seat or
Trailer?
Seats are more dangerous to transport
your child in so I always try to warn parents not to use a seat no matter how
much your kid loves it. Trailers are quite a bit safer, plus kids love to
nap in the trailer. If you are worried about the safety of a trailer and
cars not seeing it because it is down low, make sure to use the safety flag(s).
Get a helmet that fits. Because bicycle helmets are bulky I actually have
my youngest kid while in the trailer use a multi-purpose skateboarding type
helmet, that is approved for bicycle use. It is by Bell, so a company that
cyclists trust. The back of the helmet is flatter so the kid in the trailer is
more comfortable and their head isn't pushed forward straining their neck.
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?
I wish that tag-a-longs had better balance capabilities. For people that are concerned about balance you can purchase an attachment from the company Adam that attaches to the child's saddle and has a back rest and a buckle to clip them in so they are a little more secure. Just make sure, as you would for any bike, that the child's feet can touch the ground when you are stopped. Also the Weego bike trailer looks like lots of fun for kids too.
I wish that tag-a-longs had better balance capabilities. For people that are concerned about balance you can purchase an attachment from the company Adam that attaches to the child's saddle and has a back rest and a buckle to clip them in so they are a little more secure. Just make sure, as you would for any bike, that the child's feet can touch the ground when you are stopped. Also the Weego bike trailer looks like lots of fun for kids too.
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 have
been lucky when I have been with the kids so far.
What were the biggest challenges you faced
with biking at different stages of pregnancy and being a new mom?
Because
both of my kids are very early summer/late spring babies and I only own a
road bike in the Midwest, I don't have much experience with biking while
pregnant. During the early part of my pregnancy while it was still nice
out, I still biked, but not nearly as much as I usually did. I actually
started running more cause when you are a mom you find out that biking takes a
lot more time and effort when the kids are little so putting the kids in a
stroller is a quicker workout, and it's all about time management when you are
a new mom.
What products do you recommend as a bike
riding mom and why?Snacks and water; I like to have a purpose/destination when going out with the
kids. Sometimes it is a new playground, other times it is going for
ice cream. The kids choose the destination. We always try to get at
least 15-20 miles, so quite a bit less then when I bike kid free. Also, make
sure you have a bike pump and spare tubes for all the bikes
What are tips/suggestions you have for
starting a bike riding routine with your child?
Relax and make it fun. Start out just doing short distances and progress from there. Don't forget the older kid on the tag a long may need a pair of bike shorts too.
Relax and make it fun. Start out just doing short distances and progress from there. Don't forget the older kid on the tag a long may need a pair of bike shorts too.
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