Why no more bikes?

[Grayman]

There are a few reasons I can think of:

1. Safety. Perceived or real, it just isn't as safe to ride any more. I train very early (04h00) to miss the traffic. There is no way I would like to commute now, let alone have a young school kid riding with taxis, texting and tosses on the road.

2. Bag size: In my day, even in high school, my bag would consist of a couple of sandwiches, a few pens and some soft covered books that I did my homework in. All the rest of the stuff was in my desk at school. My kids had to carry so much in their bags that I started worrying bout their physical development. I honestly think that kids nowadays have to carry so much that they are causing permanent damage to their backs and shoulders.

2a) Computers/Phones/iPads: Don't want those things getting wet or damaged in a fall.

3. Extra Curricular activities: There are so many sports and extra classes that times are all over the place.

4. Safety again: My 21 6'4" son started riding to work on his bicycle. He was mugged and beaten up for his phone and bag. He fought the 3 attackers off bravely and saved his bike from being taken. I wouldn't be too happy to let a young kid get mugged.

5. Facilities: Due to all of the above, not many schools (or businesses for that matter) have the facilities to shower and get refreshed before school.

[SwissVan]

Here in switz... it is not allowed strongly frowned on by the schools if kids are taken by car to school by their parents, they have to walk, ride or use public transport. You see little 5 and 6 year olds walking to school no problems...in groups...they are taught by the schools and authorities how to do it and wear reflective clothing to increase visibility.

 

But the biggest thing is that drivers respect pedestrian rights, stick to the speed limits (30kmh in school zones) and stop at pedestrian crossings, in other words they drive properly because the law is enforced.

 

Was the same when i was a laatjie, walk, ride or bus to school...except we never wore reflective clothing