Kevin and his daughter Amelia looking happy after their ride.

1· How long have you been biking to school?

Since the beginning of the 2011 school year when my daughter (Amelia) started 3rd grade.

2· Why did you start?

Amelia had spent the summer mastering her new bicycle skills and we were both excited to start biking to school instead of driving. All benefits to our health and the environment aside, it’s just a much better way to enjoy our neighborhood and home in the city.

3· What’s one fun story from your walking/biking experience?

At this point, all of our bike days are an occasion to smile. It’s a been such a great way to actually share our commute and start our day together. We’ve gotten to know the crossing guards on our route and anticipate the morning air. It is by far more enjoyable than driving. We’re both engaged in the commute and happier for it. Unlike car commuting, there is no option to “check out” and be passive on the way to school.

4· How does walking/biking to school impact your ability to get to work?

I work in the city and my commute from Amelia’s school is pretty short.

5· What advice would you give to other parents interested in walking/biking to school?

Pick a day or two each week that you’d like to bike or walk with your child. Put it on the calendar. Make an event out of it and plan with other family members accordingly. Leave yourself extra time to get it down. Once you do it a few times, everyone gets a little faster at getting out the door and following your route. You’ll probably also find you’ll want to do it more often.