As the Safe Routes to School coordinator, I love seeing kids and families out on bikes and walking throughout the year. During the summer, it is no exception. Kids enjoy independence and will be out riding their bikes to the pool or walking to a friend’s house. Walking and biking are ways to get families moving and a great way to spend time together. Here are some top summer walking and rolling tips:
Family biking or walking: Try taking a family walk or bike ride to the grocery store, the little league baseball game, out for ice cream or to the neighborhood park. If you are walking on a trail, count the number of birds you see. If you are out biking with small children, bring snacks and water, and take breaks often.
Know where to walk or ride: Many communities have some great family-friendly trails. Fox Cities Greenways along with local municipalities have put together a great trail map that can be found at http://www.focol.org/greenways/newtrails.html. Find trails to walk and bike with your family in your local community.
Walk left, ride right: When walking, always walk on the sidewalk. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic. Bicycles should go with the flow of traffic.
