Why Are Kids No Longer Riding Bikes?

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Recently, I found myself in a lengthy standoff with my two boys about the prospect of going for a bike ride. A SIMPLE BIKE RIDE.

The weather was gorgeous, we had no plans, and they were feeling bored. (I should mention I had confiscated the Xbox due to my frustration with their constant chatter about Fortnite. If I hear one more mention, I might just build my own fort on a beach—right near a bar.)

To me, all of these factors screamed for a long bike ride. So, as we stood in the driveway, gazing at each other and the stunning blue sky, I suggested, “How about you two take a nice, long bike ride today?” You would have thought I had just asked them to catch and cook dinner from scratch!

A bike ride? THE TERROR!

I even offered them cash and encouraged them to ride to our local convenience store for candy and soda. What kid in their right mind would turn down such an enticing offer? Yet, to my amazement, both of them said no.

They had a myriad of excuses… “It’s too hot.” (It was a lovely 72-degree Florida day; I grew up in Florida where five-mile bike rides in the sweltering heat were a rite of passage!) “There are too many hills, and I get tired.” Seriously? At ten years old, feeling tired from a bike ride should not even be a concept. “I don’t want to wear this helmet.” Sorry, kiddo. Helmets are non-negotiable, and trust me, you’ll thank me later for providing a lightweight one adorned with superheroes. You see this scar on my forehead? You want to avoid that!

Then came the heartbreaking revelation: “It’s just not fun riding our bikes.” That statement struck a chord deep within me. When did riding bikes stop being enjoyable? When did the thrill of feeling the wind on your face, exploring the neighborhood, and having the freedom to roam become unappealing?

I grew up in an era where we often reminisce about our childhood joys, ironically contrasting today’s children who have access to incredible technology. They can pause live TV, stream movies on demand, and listen to their favorite songs instantly. The world’s knowledge is at their fingertips, unlike our time when we relied on the library.

Yet, it seems that all this technology has inadvertently constrained their freedoms and diminished their desire for outdoor adventures. It’s not just the allure of screens that’s keeping kids off their bikes; it’s also the concerns of the adults around them. For instance, in Saratoga Springs, NY, a middle-school student faced punishment for biking to school. Officials claimed it was their prerogative to dictate transportation methods due to safety concerns, despite evidence suggesting that biking offers more benefits than risks.

Eventually, I managed to get my boys onto their bikes that day. Although I had hoped for a two-hour adventure, we settled for a quick 20-minute ride around the block. At least they got out there! Their bikes are back on their radar, and incrementally, I plan to extend those bike rides—perhaps with the enticing incentive of a $20 bill and some convenience store treats.

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In summary, the decline in bike riding among children seems to stem from a mix of modern technology distractions and overly cautious parenting. It’s essential to encourage outdoor activities and instill a sense of adventure in kids today.