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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to let DC cycle to secondary school

64 replies

catweasel44 · 15/08/2017 14:20

It's over 3 miles away. We've done the route and some of it is on a fairly busy road (in rush hour) but there is a cycle path/shared pavement and he can cut a lot of it out by cutting through the park and along a back footpath.

I think he will be fine, he needs the exertion and it will be good for him. However a couple of friends have done that wincey/gritted teeth thing when I've mentioned it as if it's terribly irresponsible.

OP posts:
MrMessy · 15/08/2017 14:21

How well lit would the foot path & park be in winter?

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 15/08/2017 14:25

I think it's fine Smile

EsmereldaMargaretNoteSpelling · 15/08/2017 14:26

It's a calculated risk. And illegal for him to cycle on the back footpath part unless that too is actually shared use or a bridleway. If the route were completely off road/shared use I'd be happy for my own 12yo to cycle that distance as he's extremely experienced. There's also the amount of kit they need to cart around at secondary to consider - there are days when cycling isn't physically possible for my ds.

Original poster
catweasel44 · 15/08/2017 14:31

It's a shared bridleway/footpath and clearly marked for cyclists. We will have to assess in winter about the lighting. There is another route he can take which is more suitable in winter.

I've said I'd take him on days when he has games all afternoon as he'll have kit and be shattered!

The bus is £50 a month for a school bus pass!

OP posts:
BoysofMelody · 15/08/2017 14:34

Go for it. Seems a great idea, three miles will take him no time at all!

Sparklingbrook · 15/08/2017 14:36

I am not sure.

Are there lockers at school? At DS2's there aren't any and even on a normal day he has a very heavy bag. Plus there's cookery stuff, after school footy stuff and PE kits all on different days.

It wouldn't be a great trip in the rain, snow or ice, or if he arrived at school all sweaty when it was warm.

Original poster
catweasel44 · 15/08/2017 14:47

He's fairly hardy, and doesn't bother with rain and cold so I think he'd be OK unless the weather was very bad.

How much stuff he has to carry is an issue though. I've asked a couple of friends with children already there and they have said that it's not too bad ... but who knows.

OP posts:
MrsOverTheRoad · 15/08/2017 14:49

In winter it will be really, really tough on him. Lashing wind and rain and three miles...he'll be soaked and his visibility will be terrible.

People might not see him and he won't see the road.

I say this as someone who cycled with her own kids 4 miles a day to and from school...I'd go there, drop kids off. Ride home and then return in the afternoon.

I couldn't in winter and we'd get buses.

Original poster
catweasel44 · 15/08/2017 14:52

Would you say he'd be OK in good weather though Mrs?

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 15/08/2017 14:54

It's not ideal to arrive at school soaked to the skin though however 'hardy' he is. Plus his bag will also be full of water.

Not quite so bad if he's cycling home.

Hillarious · 15/08/2017 14:54

Twenty minute ride? Should be no problem. Gives some independence. Panniers would be good, so he's not carrying stuff on his back. Do you have a second bike at home in case of a puncture?

Hillarious · 15/08/2017 14:55

Sparklingbrook - waterproofs can be useful.

Sparklingbrook · 15/08/2017 14:55

What's the set up for bike storage at school? Is it secure?

BarbaraofSevillle · 15/08/2017 14:55

If there's no great hills, 3 miles will take no time at all and safe if he sticks to the cycle path. Helmet and high vis obviously. Does he feel happy to give it a go? Many kids his age will ride their bikes 6 miles a day just playing out anyway.

It shouldn't be pitch dark in winter unless you are in Scotland or his school's hours is well outside 9-3 but get him some decent lights and he'll be OK. Also puncture resistant tyres or slime to reduce risk of punctures.

Sparklingbrook · 15/08/2017 14:56

Of course they can 'Hillarious' however they don't stop every drop of water, especially when cycling and you are wearing a helmet etc. Also any shoes will be wet.

Original poster
catweasel44 · 15/08/2017 14:56

Yes there's bike storage at school.

I would get him a high vis waterproof jacket and bag cover.

OP posts:
Original poster
catweasel44 · 15/08/2017 14:58

He really wants to and is very excited about it.

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 15/08/2017 15:00

Well it sounds ok, it's just the weather really.

Also is he willing to wear the his viz jacket? I got one for DS2 and he refused to wear it.

Is he up for doing it?

Sparklingbrook · 15/08/2017 15:01

Cross post. I think the best thing is to start in the decent(ish) weather and see how he gets on if he wants to do it.

Worst case scenario it doesn't work out.

Hillarious · 15/08/2017 15:10

Kids aren't as bothered by the wet as we adults are. Chances are, there are kids walking to school, refusing to wear raincoats and will be just as wet as any who have cycled three miles to get there.

MimsyFluff · 15/08/2017 15:17

The only part that would worry me is the road and been hit by a car. It's six miles a day broken into 2 parts will be easy and saves you £50 a month.

Our local high is 1 mile away I'm shocked at how many kids get the bus everyday £2 a day pure lazy unless SN only a few walk. If mine were going there they'd bike it but my DD's mountain bike as a hobby shit I just told MN about their hobby 🤣

GetOutOfMYGarden · 15/08/2017 15:26

Sounds fine to me, he'll be fit as a fiddle. Get him some lights, be prepared to run him in the car or give him bus money if the weather is horrendous or if he doesn't feel well, and tell him he's got to stick to the cycle path.

Original poster
catweasel44 · 15/08/2017 15:28

I've also set up his iphone so I can track him on his way!

OP posts:
aginghippy · 15/08/2017 15:39

YANBU sounds like you have good plan. Lovely that he is excited about doing it.

Timeywimey8 · 15/08/2017 16:05

Sounds good to me. We live within easy walking distance of dc' school but I'm sure they'd find cycling more fun than walking. But the school has a rule you have to live at least a mile away, which we don't.