May is Bike Month sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists. When our three were growing up in the ’70s, posters went up this time of year to remind motorists to be cautious during summer vacation. Those bicycles that filled the rack at the Durand Grade School would be on the streets and kids weren’t always looking for cars.
Do preteens still use bikes? Most riders who pass our house are adults getting their exercise, some on 3-wheelers. Once in a while, I see a family including a little shaver astride a miniature bicycle with training wheels.
Linda, Lisa and Kurt had to each be at least eight years old for their feet to reach the pedals while sitting on the seat of their big bikes and strong enough to pick it up when they tipped over while learning to ride. After the balancing act was mastered, they ran errands, visited a friend’s house or rode for fun. Their 2-wheelers became squad cars to play cops and robbers with the neighbor kids. When their tires were low, the air hose was free at Spelman’s gas station downtown.
I sent our kids outside to burn off their noisy energy, keep cool and give me a little peace and quiet, but now, I see no children playing outdoors. Sons and daughters using electronic devices in air-conditioned houses are quiet and don’t bother the parents. Since the 1970s, the obesity rate among children has tripled according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Can we as grandparents urge kids to play outside in the fresh air and sunshine?