Why Biking With Children is Good For Them And You

It always makes me sad to hear people say kids are better off sitting in a classroom than they are out traveling and seeing the world! I can say wholeheartedly that my 21 years as a classroom teacher have taught me otherwise!

Travel is good for kids in so many ways, and traveling on bicycle is even more beneficial. There are many reasons I feel seeing the world from the seat of a bike are good for both parents and kids:

* Persistance. In today's society, it is all too easy to give up too early. Kids aren't taught to stick with something even when it is hard. On a bike tour, you will go through tough times and kids will learn - when they reach the top of a steep pass or reach Grandma's house after battling a head wind all day - the value of sticking with it and not giving up.

* Some days are not so nice. In life, some days are not all we want them to be, but we plod through. On our journey, some days are cold or rainy or snowy or blistering hot - but we push on knowing that MOST days are nice. Isn't that how life is?

* Immeasurable opportunities. If a child can ride his bike across the state, country, or world, is there anything he can't do?

* Understand the unifying nature of all humankind - regardless of color/religion/language. People are people, and my kids have learned that ALL kids are fun to play with, even if they can't talk with them.

* Built in play things rather than idiot boxes. Most kids today spend way too much time with electronic entertainment. Who needs all that when Mother Nature's toys surround you?

* Creativity. On the bike, you can't carry a lot of toys. Children learn to be creative with what they find - rocks, sticks, pine cones, berries...

* Contextual learning. If you learn something in context it means a whole lot more than learning random facts and figures. When you travel, all those random facts come together and make sense.

* Active. In today's sedentary world, need I say more?

Learn more about traveling with children. Stop by Nancy Sathre-Vogel's site where you can find out all about bicycling with children and how you can take your children out too.

Tags: adventure travel, bicycling, bikes, children, Cycling, family travel, touring, travel