He loved the feelings of freedom, independance and accomplishment that came along with being propelled on two wheels thru cool morning air by the strength of his own legs. He also understood the deeper potential of this type of action ... fun, zero pollution and nearly free transportation, increased fitness, happiness and peace. A boy and a bicycle ... making a difference.
Though with this power came a sense of unease. While he wanted to do this, he was acutely aware that currently he is the only one. He didn't want others to know of his superpowers - so he locked his bike to a pole just out of site.
For the moment, he's taking this potentially culture changing action on his own.
But that may change ...
UPDATE#1: January 6, 2012 - Principle Nicely did call me, I connected him with Ride Solutions who provided and installed a FREE bike rack at the Hidden Valley Middle School!
UPDATE#2: January 31, 2013 - Our hero has only bicycled to school a couple of times over the last year. It has turned out that the emotional Bike-to-School obstacles are the toughest ones. Wanting to fit-in, not wanting other kids to think you're weird, concern about being made fun of ... these are real deterrents for a 13 year old whose parent is encouraging them to bike to school.
If you or your kids have words of advice or encouragement ~ for kids and parents that are considering bicycling to a school ~ where literally everyone else rides the bus or is driven ~ please post your advice and encouragement as comments to this blog post.
Thank you!
