James and his son Jonah riding along Valencia Street.

How long have you been walking/biking to school?

Since September (2011).

Why did you start?

We bought bikes and a trail-a-bike for Jonah with the idea that it would be the primary way we’d get him to school from our home in the Mission to the Panhandle.

What’s one fun story from your walking/biking to school? (for you and Jonah as well)

Jonah often sings while riding. Recently it’s been “This Land is Your Land.” It’s a joy for me and for a bunch of pedestrians and other bikers.

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

It doesn’t really. It’s about 20 minutes each way, which is about what it takes if traveling by car given parking on each side (at his school and parking back at home means an additional walk to BART).

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

It’s a blast. It’s a great way to get in exercise that’s also for a purpose. My time feels like it’s always at a premium; I’ve got a treadmill that’s sat there for quite some time because it’s so hard to carve out the time.  And all of us, my wife and I both bike Jonah to and from school, enjoy getting to experience the city in what feels like a more hands-on way.