Last week, I found myself in a lengthy debate with my two sons about the idea of going for a bike ride.
A SIMPLE BIKE RIDE.
We were enjoying perfect weather, had no obligations, and they were complaining of boredom. (I had confiscated the Xbox due to the constant chatter about Fortnite, which was driving me to consider building my own fort somewhere peaceful.)
In my upbringing, such conditions were the ideal setup for a long bike ride. So, as we stood in the driveway under a brilliantly blue sky, I suggested, “What do you say we go for a bike ride?”
The response was as if I had asked them to capture a raccoon, skin it, and cook it for dinner. A bike ride! OH, THE TRAVESTY!
I even offered them money, saying they could pedal to the local convenience store for some candy and soda. I mean, what kid would reject that? Yet, somehow, both of mine did.
Their excuses were plentiful… “It’s too hot.” (It was a pleasant 72 degrees in Florida, where I grew up riding five miles in the sweltering heat.) “There are too many hills and I get tired.” Really? You’re ten! At that age, being tired should not even exist! “I don’t want to wear this helmet.” Sorry, but safety comes first. Be grateful for the lightweight helmet adorned with superheroes. See this scar on my forehead? You don’t want one of those. So just wear it!
Then came the most heartbreaking comment: “It’s just not fun riding our bikes.” That statement hit me hard. When did cycling lose its thrill? When did the feeling of freedom, the wind in your hair, and the chance to explore your neighborhood become unappealing?
It’s ironic that my generation often reminisces about the joys of our childhood, especially when today’s kids have access to technology we could only dream of! They can pause live TV, stream movies, and listen to their favorite songs whenever they want. They possess an entire world of information at their fingertips, yet these very gadgets seem to rob them of their freedom and desire for outdoor activities.
But it’s not just technology keeping kids off their bikes. Adults play a role too. For instance, a school in Saratoga Springs, NY, punished a middle-schooler for biking to school, citing safety concerns while ignoring the benefits of cycling. Statistics consistently show that biking is safer than perceived, yet parents and schools seem increasingly protective.
Eventually, I convinced my boys to hop on their bikes. While our expected two-hour adventure turned into a quick 20-minute spin around the block, at least they rode. Thankfully, biking is back on their radar, and I plan to gradually extend those rides, even if it takes a $20 bribe and the promise of convenience store treats. If you’re interested in more about home insemination, check out this post.
In summary, kids today seem less inclined to ride bikes, caught up in a world of technology and adult restrictions. While I managed to get my boys out for a short ride, it’s a challenge to rekindle the joy of cycling in this digital age.
Leave a Reply