Recently, I found myself in a lengthy debate with my two sons about the simple activity of going for a bike ride. It was a beautiful day, with nothing on our schedule and both kids expressing boredom. To add to the scenario, I had taken away their gaming console due to yet another discussion about Fortnite that I was not in the mood to endure. I thought it was the perfect time for a long bike ride.
So, standing in the driveway beneath the clear blue sky, I suggested, “Why don’t you both take your bikes out for a ride?” You would have thought I had asked them to undertake a bizarre and grueling task. The horror of a bike ride was overwhelming!
I even offered them some cash and encouraged them to stop by our local convenience store for snacks. How could any child refuse such an enticing proposition? Yet, both of them came up with all sorts of excuses: “It’s too hot.” (It was a pleasant 72 degrees.) “There are too many hills, and I get tired.” Seriously? At ten years old, tiredness shouldn’t be an obstacle. “I don’t want to wear my helmet.” Sorry, but safety comes first, and I reminded them how fortunate they are to have lightweight helmets adorned with superhero designs. And then came the most heartbreaking excuse: “It’s just not fun riding our bikes.”
This statement filled me with sadness. When did riding bikes become unenjoyable? The thrill of feeling the wind in your hair and exploring the neighborhood freely seems to have lost its appeal.
Reflecting on my own childhood, I recall a time when kids found joy in the simplest of activities. Today, however, children have access to incredible technology—streaming services, on-demand entertainment, and instant access to information. Yet, ironically, it is this very technology that has restricted their freedoms and enthusiasm for outdoor activities.
It’s not solely the influence of gadgets keeping kids off their bikes; adults play a role, too. For instance, in Saratoga Springs, NY, a middle schooler faced punishment for biking to school. School officials claimed that biking was too unsafe, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Statistics consistently show that the benefits of biking far outweigh the risks.
Eventually, I did manage to get my sons on their bikes, and while the hoped-for two-hour adventure turned into a brief 20-minute ride around the block, at least they participated. Gradually, I aim to turn that short ride into something more substantial, even if it requires a little bribery with cash and candy.
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In summary, children today seem less inclined to ride bikes due to a combination of modern technology, societal concerns about safety, and a shift in priorities. While I hope to rekindle my sons’ interest in biking, it serves as a reminder of how times have changed.
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