Riding with Kids

[Kaiser]

For those of you who ride with kids:

1.  How old were they when you let them ride with you on the street?
2.  What do you do to help keep them safe (gear, kiddie riding belt, etc.)?
3.  Where did you get any kid-sized gear?
4.  Do you enjoy riding with them, or are you in such over-protective mode that it's not even fun to ride with them?

My son is still pretty small to be on a bike with me, but I'm trying to be prepared with info for when the time comes that he's big enough to at least go around the block with me.

He is motorcycle obsessed (wonder where he got that from?  ) and wants to always go for a ride with me.  I just found out that my state (FL) does not limit the minimum age for a rider.  So - it is not a legal decision - but a parental one.

I think a sidecar would be the safest option.  But, I don't want to drop that much $$$ and I do not want to ride with a sidecar when I go out by myself.  Maybe they make a quick-disconnect kit for sidecars, but I haven't seen one.

Input and experiences appreciated.

[Stitch_in_La]

I take the 11 y/o on the bike with me not into heavy traffic areas.  Have to stay in that relaxed but aware mode, to nervous gets you distracted anyway.  Have an I/S and driver backrest so she's pretty stable as far as sliping out or off.  The 9y/o's just ride around the driveway and park areas.

Chuck

[Serk]

1.  How old were they when you let them ride with you on the street?

She was 6, but IMHO age is secondary to emotional readiness and being physically big enough to fit safely.

2.  What do you do to help keep them safe (gear, kiddie riding belt, etc.)?

When we first started out, I wore one of the belts with handles for her to hold on to, but we've since retired it. One of the main things we do is every few minutes I tap her leg, she is to immediately tap me on the back. If she doesn't respond to an immediate tapping, I know she's not paying attention or napping, and it's time to pull over.

3.  Where did you get any kid-sized gear?

Living in the 4th largest metro area in the nation has SOME advantages. Went to a few different motorcycle shops and found appropriate gear for her. Mommy is VERY insistent on ATGATT for the kiddo, and I'm not gonna argue (Long pants, gloves, jacket, helmet being primary)

4.  Do you enjoy riding with them, or are you in such over-protective mode that it's not even fun to ride with them?

At first I was extremely paranoid, but as the miles have gone on (We've done a few thousand together, longest trip is up to about 60 miles between stops thus far) it's become more and more rewarding and less paranoia. Definitely worth it, and we both love the time we get together on the bike...

One other thing, I make a bit of a big deal about ALWAYS asking permission before getting on OR off ANY motorcycle, and also emphasize - If it's shiny, don't touch it, it's HOT.

[sugarbee]

Serk, I met your wife and daughter at the bar b q Saturday.  Your daughter is so precious.  She told us how much she loves to learn and how much she likes school    My husband, Beekeeper got a kick out of picking with her, tried to convince her that he had a twin at the bar b q, but she was too smart to fall for that!

I also enjoyed talking to your wife.  She is one of the sweetest people I've met.  She even let me go on and on about Lupus Awareness, and what Lupus can do to a person.  She's a classy lady.

You are a blessed man 

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

My youngest son Andy (the Duc Man) started riding in front of me on a two stroke dirt bike on local roads when he was just out of diapers. He wore a kids dirt bike helmet. He learned how the controls worked during these daily two mile rides with me and was steering the bike and handling the throttle by age three or so. He started riding the Honda 50 with homemade training wheels during his third or forth year. After that first summer the training wheels came off and he's been riding ever since.

His siblings started somewhat older. Brother Joe learned sitting in front of me at around age 5, then switched to riding his own dirt bike. Their older brother and sister started a little older than that because I had a few years in that period when I wasn’t riding.

My grandkids have all started by riding in front of me where I could see them, talk to them and grab them if needed though it's never been needed. I don't let a kid ride behind me till their feet reach the pegs. They have to wear a kids dirt bike helmet since we have several of them, long pants and some decent shoes. I don't take them out on the highway till they have plenty of saddle time under their belts and they, and I are comfortable with it.

All my kids grew up riding and son Joe went with me on a week long Smokey Mountain trip when he was only 10 or 11. However Andy is the only one who still rides.

[Windjammer]

My Grandson started riding with me when he was about 8, He loved to go and still does. He is 16 now and going for his learners permit. (Not Motorcycle) When he started riding we would not go far about 5 miles or so. and rode behind me. I put a block on the boards I have for a footrest. and That kept his feet from dangling. However the biggest thing was if we rode to long? He had a bad habit of falling asleep. Scared the crap out of me but he never moved. I still pulled over and had him walk around a bit and told him I need his vision and to help navigate. I then purchased a headset and installed so I could talk to him. I have 6 other grandkids and they all love to go, and I am thrilled that they want to.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

By the way. My two oldest grandkids (Mason and KC) both learned to ride that same Honda 50 and still ride it weekly. The two youngest have not started riding it yet but it won’t be long. Man, you gotta love Hondas.

[Kaiser]

Thanks everybody for the input.  My Mini-Me is still a little too small to hop on the bike with me (he's almost 3 - but the size of a 4 year old).  But, I think I've been wanting to take him for a ride just about as much as he wants to go for one.

It's good to gather different ideas about what works.  I'll definitely have your words flying around the back of my skull when the time comes for him to join in the fun.

[alph]

i'm not 100% sure, but here in wisconsin i think there's a law that says the pasenger must be big enough to reach the foot pegs.  don't know if it's like that everywere.