Family Bike Rides:

1. Feed and water your kids before, during and after a ride. Frequent breaks keep kids happy.

2. Ride a little behind (6-8 feet) and a little "outside" (1-2 feet to the left) of your child. This allows you to keep an eye on their every move and "shelter" them from overtaking traffic.

3. Don't push your luck on distance. When you plan a route, always go shorter than you think the kids can handle. Let them talk you into going farther rather than begging you to quit.

Ages One to Five:  A trailer (for under age three) or a trail-a-bike (for ages four and up) means you provide the pedal power. You enjoy great exercise and your child enjoys the adventure of a bike ride. Child seats are fine for around the neighborhood, but for an hour or more of riding, a trailer is a more comfortable way to go.

Ages Six to Ten: The learning-how years. This is the true test of a parent's patience. Once children can balance and pedal, you can teach them how to interact with other trail and road users. That means they learn to pay attention, ride a straight line, use their hand signals, and stay right.

Tweens and Teens:  Kids this age can sometimes be tough to communicate with! Patrick and I learned that a short bike ride was a great way visit with our kids individually and get them talking! Our bikes were our communication vehicles!