Biking Mama

Today's post is about an urban nature mama feeling great to be back on her bike. We have had a trailer since it was handed on to us when the boys were just a few months old. However, at that time none of us were ready to ride. Even as they were one and a half the trailer riding wasn't so fun for the boys, however, this summer the boys are two and a half years old. They are able to look out the window of the bike trailer and see the world and they actually enjoy riding.

Although I often write about the marvels of being slow, on occasion, the fact is that I just would like to pick up one thing at the market and I would really like it for dinner. A walk to the-mile away market-takes at least an hour, but on bike with the boys in tow I did a round trip under 30 minutes.

Plus bikes are just wonderful. The boys love all their bikes. They have a scooter, and a push trike and now they ride in the trailer. Each brings a smile and they even enjoy wearing their helmets.

I haven't taken the boys far- truthfully I only have taken them to locations about a mile away. But even a mile in Seattle is not an easy ride. Once I am out of the driveway I am committed. I either start going up or start going down meaning that I will have to go back up.

The best thing about having the bike out is that now I use it just for me, as well. Biking has been the way I have gotten around since I was a teenager. It gives me freedom from the automobile. The great thing about biking in the city is, that planned carefully, you can even mix its use with public transit if you get overly tired or you just want to avoid dangerous busy streets or too giant of hills.

Last night sans trailer I rode to a rally for education that was in solidarity with a march that took place in Washington DC. From beginning to end of my excursion it felt great to be on bike. I was able to take lightrail part of the way and then ride in the mostly car free downtown streets of Seattle (the roads were all blocked to set up for the Torchlight parade). As we left our rallying point and broke off in small groups I was able to walk my bike along the parade route handing out flyers to families with children. As much as I love my city it breaks my heart that our state of Washington is 48 in the nation in terms of class size and 49th in the nation on spending for education. Being out in the streets last night, connecting with families, made me feel like maybe we can turn things around. I hope so.