Why have you started to bike more as a family? What’s been the primary motivator?

We have begun to bike more as a family for a few reasons. We feel that it is an activity that imparted on our children at their young ages (6 and 9) will carry through with them for the rest of their lives. It is a great way to keep our bodies in motion and get some much needed exercise. We also feel it is crucial for them to understand that bicycling can open up the world around them. Often we find ourselves telling them that when they are older they can just “go off” with friends and explore!

Have you found yourself riding your bicycle more for function (to work) or for recreation (around the lakes, parks)?

Most recently we have mainly been riding for recreation. However, now that the weather is looking up, the kids ride bicycles to school, and I’m looking forward to riding my bike to work!

Is getting around the city on your bicycle easier or tougher than you imagined? Why?

We have lived in Minneapolis for 15 years. We started out in our 20s riding bike constantly. We didn’t even have a car the first five years! We have always loved how accessible Minneapolis is via bike. In fact, whenever family visits from out of town they always marvel at how extensive our bike trails are.

Have there been any unexpected benefits to you riding more as a family?

The biggest reward for us to ride as a family is a simple one…we just love to all be together outside and explore! Being spontaneous with the boys teaches them that there is a world beyond the TV or computer games. That making our own adventure is the best adventure! Our sons have a great sense of confidence on their bicycles that they don’t get from any other activity.

What tips or advice would you give someone who’s considering riding more, but just hasn’t taken that first step?

It’s always easy to put things off in life. Getting stuck in a routine is par for the course in this society. Our jobs usually require us to drive, and we find ourselves behind the wheel perhaps more often than necessary. If you just make the first step by say, bicycling the five blocks to the market instead of driving, you may find just how enjoyable that breeze on your face is. The benefit of spinning your legs and watching the ground whiz beneath your tires far outweighs the doldrums of sitting in your car. It is truly amazing just how much more you see when you’re in the saddle!