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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:
peachgreen · 15/08/2017 16:16

He'll just need to get used to using his locker at school and being very organised about what books he needs to bring home for his homework as lugging everything every day won't be possible. Probably a good thing!

SisyphusDad · 15/08/2017 16:54

OK it was a long time ago but I used to cycle over 3 miles to secondary school and back every day, rain or shine, heavy bag or no. And the roads were all main roads full of rush hour traffic (in the morning at least.) No reason for it to be a problem.

TheSolitaryBoojum · 15/08/2017 17:00

Lots of the children round here cycle to school, usually in pairs or small groups. Even if he only does it in good weather and in daylight, sometimes is better than never.

Veterinari · 15/08/2017 17:04

Sounds fine - it's hardly going to be lashing with rain everyday!
There will be kids that walk to school over a shorter distance and get wetter.

Panniers are super useful to carry things to school (and waterproof) He can decant into his school bag when he arrives

BertrandRussell · 15/08/2017 17:07

What's the alternative?

Natsku · 15/08/2017 17:11

Definitely let him do it, its great for fitness and health and of course will save you money. Agree with getting him panniers, they are so useful. Waterproofs (including waterproof trousers if he won't be embarrassed by them) in the winter, you can even get waterproof shoe covers.

Pretty much everyone bikes to school in my town, rain or sunshine (though less so in snow for obvious reasons though there's still some hardier children who just get studded tyres and bike through the snow!), the important thing is to dress appropriately.

Original poster
catweasel44 · 15/08/2017 17:13

Thanks everyone.

The alternative is a school bus, which goes from very near our house. However, they've changed the rules recently so he's not guaranteed a space and it could be very expensive (we are on the cut off line between it being £400 a year or £750 a year) Shock

DH and I both work mostly from home and although could take him, it would take a big chunk out of our day in rush hour.

In an ideal world, he would cycle as he has always had high levels of energy and I think he would concentrate better during the school day. We had always walked to school although up until now it's been less than a mile.

OP posts:
Gabilan · 15/08/2017 17:23

3 miles will take about 15 minutes without breaking into a sweat. It's very little in terms of exercise. As for carrying things, it's easy to carry a variety of things on a bike. You can get panniers that convert into rucksacks. Waterproofs will see off the worst of the rain. Despite the amount of rain in the UK, it's unusual to get really soaked during a commute.

Helmets and hi viz are a whole other can of worms. Suffice it to say they're not the best things to keep anyone safe on the road. He needs to know a lot more in terms of road positioning, traffic law and the Highway Code. He is in the age group most at risk of being at fault in any collision - with older cyclists involved in collisions it's more usually the driver's fault. I think the cycling is absolutely fine but I would be very, very wary of putting any child on the roads in the UK. If he can do it all off road, so much the better.

My parents banned me from cycling to school. I left the bike in the front garden and took it to school whilst they weren't looking. They didn't find out until I told them when I was in my mid 30s.

brightlightceiling · 15/08/2017 17:30

The whole of the Netherlands does come rain or shine. If he wants to and you feel it is safe go for it.

redexpat · 15/08/2017 17:32

In 7 years of cycling 3 miles to secondary school I never got water in my bag. Hmm Yes my shoes sometimes got a bit wet but they dried again. They cant get that wet in 15 minutes. Although Im sure some posters will come along with Dr Foster type tales of sodden footwear after being rained on for 2 minutes.

PUGaLUGS · 15/08/2017 17:34

When DS was at secondary and he occasionally missed the school bus he had to cycle - 6 miles. He was fine.

waterrat · 15/08/2017 17:35

'in winter it will be really really hard'..eh?! jesus people are wimps nowadays. 3 miles on a bike while wearing rain coat and hat and waterproofs. it will not be really really hard on him.

Sparklingbrook · 15/08/2017 17:37

DS2 walked home in the rain and his rucksack was full of water redexpat] so it can happen. Not sure what the Hmm face is for, I guess it depends what bag you have. You must have had an excellent bag.

DudeHatesHisCarryOut · 15/08/2017 17:50

It's not the trendiest, but I've had this backpack for years and, with the waterproof cover, it's survived the heaviest rain NW Scotland can throw at me.

I suggest he gets decent, breathable waterproofs (so he doesn't get too sweaty when it's raining), and what about a cheap pair of trainers for him to cycle in, so that he leaves his school shoes in the locker overnight? That way, if his shoes do get soaked he has a dry pair to change into.

AngeloftheSouth84 · 15/08/2017 17:57

As long as he realises that pedestrians have priority, even on a cycle path.

QuitMoaning · 15/08/2017 18:04

My walk home from station takes longer. Sometimes I get a bit damp in the wet weather but there are all sorts of stuff to help combat this. Waterproofs etc

Really it is not a problem and good for them.

Really good for his road craft as well and you can contact the local authority as they may run cycle schemes and all sorts (mine does as a friend has this as her job).

OrphanAccount · 15/08/2017 18:07

I think it's fine. 3 miles is nothing at all to cycle - he won't even break a sweat if he's reasonably fit. Only time it might be an issue is absolutely lashing rain or snow. But presumably you could drive him in if weather conditions were dire?

ParadiseCity · 15/08/2017 18:11

I pay the £400 a year for the bus. DS wants to cycle but I don't think his brain can judge risks properly at his age. Most of the time he is great but now and then he will do the most stupid twat things and I just can't bring myself to risk it.

5rivers7hills · 15/08/2017 18:13

I remember taking SOOOOO much stuff for secondary school, would have struggled unless with big panniers and then panniers aren't great for carrying when in school.

Is there actual secure bike parking?

BikeRunSki · 15/08/2017 18:14

Do it. I did and grew up in Central London!

5rivers7hills · 15/08/2017 18:14

But I do think 3 miles each way is fine, and if you get him good (visible) waterproofs and good lights it will be fine.

SweetLuck · 15/08/2017 18:18

Of course it's fine.

No, waterproofs don't stop every drop of water, but a bit of water won't kill him.

I cycle to work in rain etc every day and it's fine. The only weather that stops me is strong wind.

When the weather is really bad he can get the bus.

Sparklingbrook · 15/08/2017 18:18

Not all High Schools have lockers. It will be easier if he has one. DS2's school took them all out as they took up space. Hmm

Original poster
catweasel44 · 15/08/2017 19:35

Well it's says they have lockers but who knows!

OP posts:
Pannnn · 15/08/2017 19:42

All sounds good. No water filled bag will be involved. Ignore the doomsters. Every thread has them!

And no peds do not have right of way on a cycle path.

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