FAMILY BIKE RIDES

One of my favorite parts about living in the city this summer has been the ease of riding our bikes. I started riding to work several days a week and it’s a completely different commute experience. 

But my favorite rides are with the family. We have a little seat for Jack on the front of my bike and he LOVES it! He’s all about the wind in his face and pointing out he river and the passing boats. We’ve been taking a great route from Lawrenceville, crossing the 40th Street Bridge to the Millvale Riverfront Park and riding the trail next to the Allegheny River. Then we get to the North Shore, loop around at Heinz Field and turn back for home, stopping for photos, of course! 

I really cherish these moments with my family.When we go on these rides I feel like am the parent I want to be. I don’t always do the things I imagined I would when I became a parent. More often than I ever planned Jack is watching Daniel Tiger on TV or on the iPad, he’ll sometimes have crackers and peanut butter for dinner when he refuses everything else, and I sometimes go days without storytime. I feel bad for these things, but that’s life sometimes. I can’t be the perfect parent that I have in my mind and I’m learning the balance. But when we ride our bikes I’m exactly who I want to be, bringing this great experience to my kid. I hope he remembers these trips fondly when he’s older. I love that we’re taking advantage of our city, getting exercise and having fun all together minus screens. 

In regards to Jack’s bike seat, we love it! I did a lot of research on which seat to buy and for me I felt more comfortable with Jack in front where I can see him. I have no trouble with balance, but I’m careful getting on and off my bike. He’s getting taller and we already bought a bike trailer off of a family friend for the future. But for right now our little seat for him is great. While on a ride once we had someone comment on how unsafe the front seat is, but families abroadhave been doing this for years and years. I feel safe in my ability to ride my bike and Jack’s temperament in sitting still in the seat.