The "Kidical Mass" bike train leaves from the Waller Street Bicycle Practice area heading to the Chinese Immersion School at DeAvila.
1· How long have you been biking to school?
This is the third year we are biking to school but it’s also the first year that my daughter is biking herself (accompanied by me on my bike) to school rather than sitting on the back of our cargo bike or on the rack of my commuter bike.
2· Why did you start?
I’ve been biking to work for several years and since my daughter’s school is on my way to work, it made sense that she would ride with me. Although we own a car, we almost never drive it; our car is 10 years old and has under 70K on it! Biking is a big part of our family life- our 4 year old can already ride- so we try to keep our lives as local as possible.
3· What’s one fun story from your walking/scootering to school?
Inspired by the Safe Routes to School/Bike To Work/School program, our school (Chinese Immersion School at DeAvila) started what we call “Kidical Mass” where families meet on the last Thursday of the month at the Waller Street extension and ride together to school. Last month, one of the parents brought along a music backpack and was (respectfully) blasting “The Ride of the Valkyries” a la Apocalypse Now. It was pretty funny.
4· How does walking/biking to school impact your ability to get to work?
It helps me get to work earlier than if I took MUNI or walked. And, it’s cheaper. I look forward to it in the morning as it’s mostly downhill and I also look forward to it in the evening as forces me into some much needed exercise at the end of a long day of mostly sitting at a desk.
5· What advice would you give to other parents interested in walking/biking to school?
The most important thing is that it’s enjoyable. The last thing you want is to have to struggle getting out of the door in the morning. The more comfortable you and your child are on your bikes, the more likely you’ll have fun . I’d say get as much practice as possible before beginning the bike to school/work journey, make sure the bikes and helmets fit properly, and do a bit a reconnaissance so you’re taking the safest route possible
