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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To let DC cycle in a ‘no cycling’ park?

198 replies

RaisinFlapjack · 20/05/2021 15:38

Our school run (of 1 mile) takes us through a park which has a no cycling policy. Until recently DC have scooted, but eldest (6) has recently started to prefer cycling.

Lots of small children ride trikes etc through the park and it’s not at all uncommon to see older children on bikes too.

So..do I let DC cycle through the park in contravention of the ‘no cycling’ policy, tell them they have to scoot or take the long way round on the road, avoiding the park, so they can cycle?

OP posts:
CuriousaboutSamphire · 20/05/2021 15:42

Yes!

We have one of those and so many peple decided that it would be OK, despite the signs.

  1. People walking in no cycling spces don't look or listen for cyclists
  2. The structure of the pavements are different for cycle and pedestrian paths. Cycles do a lot of damage to paths not meant to carry them
  3. You are teaching your kids that the rules don't mean them... theycan break them if it is cnvenient
  4. You are putting your own convenience ahead of that of others, their safety too
  5. It doesn't matter that there are lot of other selfish, clueless people also cycling. 200+ wrongs don't make a right!
ClaudiaWankleman · 20/05/2021 15:45

How long is the long way around?

I don't think parks should have no cycling policies as a general rule, so if this one does it is (hopefully) probably because there is something special about the park that means cycling shouldn't be allowed. Maybe ground nesting birds, delicate plants or narrow bends and obscured visibility or something.

MagnoliaBeige · 20/05/2021 15:49

Can’t they just walk their bikes through the park and cycle the rest of the way?

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 20/05/2021 15:49

It's the same as a pavement. Big difference between adults cycling at full pelt and children learning.

Teach them to be respectful... Watching for pedestrians, dismounting if busy, and not squeezing past people.

looptheloopinahulahoop · 20/05/2021 15:50

Park says no cycling.

Parent says "we are special, we will cycle anyway".

Park gets closed completely.

Parent cries foul.

Sigh. If the park says no cycling, don't cycle, take the kids somewhere else to scoot and cycle.

Twickerhun · 20/05/2021 15:51

My toddler was hit by a bike ridden by a circa. 5 year old in a ‘no cycling park’ and ended up in a and e. For that reason I’m saying no. Get off and walk.

idontlikealdi · 20/05/2021 15:51

It's a no cycling park. What makes you so special?

LilMidge01 · 20/05/2021 15:51

Ugh I absolutely hate to say this as I'm not trying to be judgey, but I think you need to put practical and logistical argunents/reasons for each option aside, and think of it purely from a parenting point of view. What message does it send your DC? Your DC are only children for a short time, they will be adults for a lot longer.... let's make nice adults

PremierSmeage · 20/05/2021 15:51

YABU.

They get off and push their bikes through the park.

OhMyAttic · 20/05/2021 15:52

In some countries kids under 12 are allowed to cycle on pavements. If that’s the case where you are then I would say it’s ok. Especially if you ensure they know pedestrians have right of way.
Or...what’s the age of criminal responsibility? Isn’t it 10? In which case what can they do if an under 10 is cycling in the park?

LeafBeetle · 20/05/2021 15:52

Can't your DC get off and walk for that bit rather than going the long way round?

TeenMinusTests · 20/05/2021 15:52

Walk the bike through the park, or they scoot, their choice.

CuriousaboutSamphire · 20/05/2021 15:52

Yes! Ours has a narrow path alongside a lake with all sorts of water fowl. The path edges are vulnerable, the path itself is not built for cyclists and gets rutted and damaged by them.

Even without the near misses and aggravation it costs a bloody fortune over and above the expected maintenance costs and the town council is looking at restricting the entrances, removing the current free access for all kinds of wheelchairs and prams.

All so some parents and kids can cycle across the middle of town rather than round the longer paved way.

ClaudiaWankleman · 20/05/2021 15:53

Park says no cycling.

Parent says "we are special, we will cycle anyway".

Park gets closed completely

Hmm A very likely scenario.

Ohdeariedear · 20/05/2021 15:54

If it says no cycling then it’s no cycling. If you let your child cycle, you’re just teaching them that they don’t have to follow any rules that don’t suit.

Mydogmylife · 20/05/2021 15:54

What part of no cycling park isn't clear? Just because others break the rule does not mean you should. You would be letting your children know that you don't feel rules apply to them if it isn't convenient

GirlCrush · 20/05/2021 15:54

Some people just don’t get the message do they!?

Keep your kids cycles away from the no cycling park.!!

BogRollBOGOF · 20/05/2021 15:55

@Aroundtheworldin80moves

It's the same as a pavement. Big difference between adults cycling at full pelt and children learning.

Teach them to be respectful... Watching for pedestrians, dismounting if busy, and not squeezing past people.

This.

A 6yo is safer cycling in a park than on a road where you would expect an adult to cycle.

stuckinarutatwork · 20/05/2021 15:56

If it's a no cycling park, of course you don't cycle in it Confused

DC can ride bike along pavement to park gate and then push the bike through the park, remounting the bike on the other side to continue the journey to school.

Justmuddlingalong · 20/05/2021 15:56

Where will you draw the line when teaching your kids which rules to follow and which to just ignore?

motogogo · 20/05/2021 15:57

If it's a narrow path yabu if it's just a blanket rule for all parks and it's wide enough for all I'm more relaxed

Whammyyammy · 20/05/2021 15:57

Wow. Good way to teach your kids that they are entitled and rules dont apply to them

MrsBarnstable · 20/05/2021 16:02

Take the long way round if they want to cycle. It's that or walk through the park

MadMadMadamMim · 20/05/2021 16:04

I can't understand why you think you are special?

It's a no-cycling park. That's pretty clear.

But your little princess has recently decided she prefers cycling and so that's ok?

MichelleScarn · 20/05/2021 16:06

Agree with hop off the bike and walk through park.
@Twickerhun hows your DC?