What age did you son/daughter start to ride with you?
#1
#2
I have two daughters and one son. I don't remember for sure, but it was between 4 and 6 years old. Kinda depended on how well they listened and paid attention. I remember well that the smallest helmet wasn't small enough. Most of their riding experience was on a military installation at that age, so I felt fairly safe with the little ones on board. With the MP's crawling all over the place, there aren't too many cagers pulling stupid maneuvers. Longer hiway rides happened after age 10 or so when their heads grew into their helmets and I could count on the fact they were going to sit still and pay attention. Now they are in their late twenties and with the exception of my son (done riding passenger), my girls still love riding.
As far as precautions, their first rides were in front of me. Helmets, long sleeves and pants and little gloves. Slow riding, probably never over 30 mph. Avoiding busy traffic. Just used common sense and prayed for the best!
As far as precautions, their first rides were in front of me. Helmets, long sleeves and pants and little gloves. Slow riding, probably never over 30 mph. Avoiding busy traffic. Just used common sense and prayed for the best!
Last edited by LansingX; 08-03-2010 at 11:42 AM. Reason: To answer the OP's second question.
#6
I've got four daughters - three love the bike, one absolutely hates it.
Other than the ride around the block thing when they were old enough to reach the pegs, I waited until they were about 14 before we ventured out of the neighborhood. Always appropriate shoes, long pants and jean jacket, and a 3/4 helmet and eye protection. The first rides were always around 30 minutes with the objective to teach good passenger behavior... don't fight the lean, don't wiggle around when we are stopped at a light unless you tell me you need to, and don't get off until I say it's ok - even if you think we've stopped and it's ok!!
My oldest is 23 now and doesn't ride with me as much - but my 20 and 16 year olds fight over the opportunity! (My 19 year old avoids it at all costs - it just freaks her out. Hey - to each her own!)
Just be overly defensive, totally alert and avoid the more risky roads - and you will start building some real cool memories... Have fun!
Other than the ride around the block thing when they were old enough to reach the pegs, I waited until they were about 14 before we ventured out of the neighborhood. Always appropriate shoes, long pants and jean jacket, and a 3/4 helmet and eye protection. The first rides were always around 30 minutes with the objective to teach good passenger behavior... don't fight the lean, don't wiggle around when we are stopped at a light unless you tell me you need to, and don't get off until I say it's ok - even if you think we've stopped and it's ok!!
My oldest is 23 now and doesn't ride with me as much - but my 20 and 16 year olds fight over the opportunity! (My 19 year old avoids it at all costs - it just freaks her out. Hey - to each her own!)
Just be overly defensive, totally alert and avoid the more risky roads - and you will start building some real cool memories... Have fun!
#7
6 years old around town. Speeds limit here in town is only 25mph. She is now 9 and still loves it but I'm still cautious to not take her above 45mph. It's just me being a parent not reason not to go faster I know, but I lean to the side of caution with years of service on a Ambulance with the local Fire Department.