Moser Column: School’s open: Let them walk and bike

If you're a parent of school-age children, please read Dan's column about the importance of letting kids find their own way to school vs. chauffeuring them.  Walking and bicycling are practical options that have physical, social and confidence-building benefits.  He also highlights Lakes Park, a local gem.

Florida Weekly, Outdoors Section

Dan Moser Column, Aug. 20, 2014

Dan Moser bikepedmoser@gmail.com

The party’s over for students as school buses are back on the road, which means kids can be expected everywhere on and along our streets, beginning at pre-dawn. And, like buses, so too are parent-chauffeurs, adding to the traffic congestion and chaos around schools and bus stops.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record and reigniting the ire of those who believe they need to be their child’s personal driver, I will again make the case for letting kids find their own way to school and as many other places they can and should be able to get to on their own (soccer practice, library, neighborhood park, friend’s house…). Walking and bicycling are practical options that have physical, social and confidence-building benefits. It gives kids a level of independence that grows as they get older and their range expands. Ideally, these transportation-independent kids become young adults who have mobility options, sometimes even delaying obtaining their driver’s licenses and saving a bundle of money by doing so.

The furthest a child needs to travel to get to school or a bus stop is two miles (1.5-miles to a bus stop). For most, it’s much less than that. But far too many parents feel compelled to drive their kids to either location, which, in turn, makes conditions around campuses and certain street corners less than ideal for those on foot or bike, thanks to the presence of so many vehicles. Thus, parents come to the conclusion that it’s too dangerous for their child to be out there without the protection of their family motor vehicle. Besides, this should be quality time spent with each other, right? Well, not exactly.
 
One visit to the student drop-off line or bus stop where parents sit in the car with their kids is all it takes confirm that this almost daily task is a time to make phone calls and conduct other “business” on handheld devices. Not quite quality parent-child time. Rather than the child interacting with fellow students at bus stops or while walking or biking together, kids get to hear “blah-blah-blah” or “tap tap tap” as their parents engage others electronically in order to use this time for something productive. Of course, parents being role models, the kids do the same.

If you can’t let go, why not get involved in heading up or at least being part of a walking or biking school bus? For more information about this and other options that allow kids to be kids, visit walkingschoolbus.org and saferoutespartnership.org.
Lakes Park
Now’s the time to enjoy one of our most popular parks, while kids are in school and tourists and snowbirds are few and far between. Lakes Park (leeparks.org) is a gem that’s only getting better as its trees and other landscape upgrades that were part of the post-Charley master plan mature. Newer features, such as state-of-the-art fitness stations, additional unpaved trails, and a community garden add to the lure of this former quarry that’s now one of the best examples of a top-notch urban regional park in Southwest Florida.

Yes, it’s hot and rainy, but Lakes Park has plenty of shade and water that keeps temperatures significantly more comfortable than surrounding areas. It still gets very busy on weekends but it’s a different story on weekdays, especially now that summer camps are finished. You may not have the place to yourself but you’ll enjoy a level of solitude and quiet that makes it worth bearing the heat and humidity. Thanks to the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation (lakesparkenrichmentfoundation.org), the park will only continue to thrive.

Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and pathways.

— Dan Moser is a long- time bicycle/ pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com and 334- 6417.

Florida Highway Patrol focuses this week on bicycle and pedestrian safety during Child Safety Awareness Month

 Believe it or not, school starts next week and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has launched a Child Safety Awareness Month to remind everyone to watch out for children.  Each week this month, there is a different theme.  This week's focus is on bicycle and pedestrian safety!  Last week's focus was on being alert while backing out.  Next week's focus is on school bus stop safety.

Please assist with providing these tips to others in your networks/organizations/circles. Watch the video and share it with your "friends" on Facebook.    This is part of BikeWalkLee's ongoing campaign to make our streets safer for everyone, including and especially children.  Thanks!

 If any additional information or an FHP interview is needed, please get in touch with Greg Bueno:

GregBueno@flhsmv.gov.

Click here to watch FHP's Promotional Video  

Angie Ferguson Column: Children's bike safety starts at home

Biking is a family affair (NP photo)

As Lee County focuses on bike/ped safety this month, it was great to see Angie Ferguson's column on bike safety tips for children.

News-Press, April 30, 2013:  Angie Ferguson Column
Bike riding can be fun for the whole family, but it needs to be enjoyed safely. Bicycle safety involves developing riding skills, wearing the right protective gear, and looking after your bike. Parents need to teach their children about riding safety and caring for their bike before they leave the house.Helmets are mandatory — so set a good example!

 Not only is it the right thing to do but it’s also the law. In 1997, Florida adopted the mandatory helmet law for children 16 years of age and younger. This law applies on roads, bike paths, bike lanes, shared and segregated footways and other public places such as recreational parks and car parks. Make sure that your child always wears a helmet when riding. Your child’s helmet should be:

• The right size and fitted correctly. The helmet should be comfortable and not too tight or loose. Caps should not be worn under helmets as they ruin the fit — wear a visor over the helmet to protect you from the sun. Choose a helmet that is not too heavy and provides good ventilation.
• Positioned on the head properly. The helmet should sit level on the head, covering the forehead, with the rim just above the eyebrows. The straps should be correctly adjusted and the buckle securely fastened. The straps should form a “V” shape with the plastic strap guide sitting just under the earlobe. The buckle should be close up under your chin.
• Kept in good condition. If the helmet hits an object or the road, you should replace it. Don’t leave a helmet exposed to direct sunlight when not in use, make sure the foam is not old and crumbling, and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.


Also, make sure that your child’s bike is well-maintained. Regularly check brakes, wheels, pedals, bearings and chains so that the bike will stop quickly in an emergency. Each time they ride, check if the tires are hard, if the brakes work and whether there are any rattles. Check the tires, bearings, gears, and nuts and bolts and lubricate the chain and cables each week. See a professional bicycle mechanic if you are unsure about the bike’s safety.

To help your child become a safe cyclist, let them have lots of practice on safe paths while offering tips on bike handling. Basically, they should be able to ride in a straight line, brake properly and corner safely. And always, ride in designated areas such as bike paths whenever possible.
Finally, choose a bike that suits your rider. Having the right size bike plays a big part in safe cycling. A bike that’s too big for your child is dangerous. Your bike shop professional can help you determine the right fit for you.

— Angie Ferguson is an exercise physiologist from Fort Myers. She is a USA Triathlon Advanced Level 2 coach and USA Cycling coach. For more training tips, read her blog at triathlontrainingisfun.com or contact her at gearedup.biz