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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think DS (16) saying he cycled 36mph speed on bike ride today is NOT ok?

101 replies

Feckthelotofthem · 11/03/2023 19:12

What do other cycling parents think? Am I in the wrong? Just had massive row with DH ( and DS) who thinks it's OK for a solo teenager doing a ride out on his road bike in a rural area to reach speed of 36 mph (wearing shorts). I love him going out on his bike, great healthy exercise etc. Good for his mental health too. I cycle myself. But I told him going so fast is dangerous, not enough time to react if pothole, gravel on road etc. Obviously being a know all teen he was having none of it. I expected DH to agree and be worried re DS safety too but he went against me, said it was fine as long as he's getting out on his bike. Just don't tell his mother next time he goes so fast! I'm furious for lots of reasons.

OP posts:
SunshineGeorgie · 11/03/2023 19:14

How did he measure it to be 36mph

FeltCarrot · 11/03/2023 19:15

Having seen the state some of the TdeF riders end up in after a fall I’m not surprised you are worried.

WeCome1 · 11/03/2023 19:15

SunshineGeorgie · 11/03/2023 19:14

How did he measure it to be 36mph

Speedo, presumably?

Redebs · 11/03/2023 19:18

Helmet?

Nimbostratus100 · 11/03/2023 19:18

very worrying

Oakorn · 11/03/2023 19:19

Completely fine. I assume it was for a short stretch going downhill. I assume he was wearing a helmet?

SunshineGeorgie · 11/03/2023 19:19

The title said 'cycled' so assumed he was pedalling

Hellocatshome · 11/03/2023 19:22

You can have a speedo on a pedal bike, or a fit bit type thing on his wrist will also show the speed. I would say if he was wearing a helmet, on a well maintained bike and on a safe road (I.e not full of pot holes) it is ok. I would be more concerned about him riding in heavy traffic than fast in quiet roads.

Chickenly · 11/03/2023 19:23

Hellocatshome · 11/03/2023 19:22

You can have a speedo on a pedal bike, or a fit bit type thing on his wrist will also show the speed. I would say if he was wearing a helmet, on a well maintained bike and on a safe road (I.e not full of pot holes) it is ok. I would be more concerned about him riding in heavy traffic than fast in quiet roads.

This! He’s far more likely to be hurt completely stationery hit by other traffic in a city centre than going that speed on a clear road.

OllytheCollie · 11/03/2023 19:24

That can only be downhill.for a short period. Even pros don't reach that speed on the flat. Context is everything, if he's fit with lots of downhill experience it's not super fast for a short period. If he's just started road biking he should not be aiming for those sort of speeds as he won't have the fitness and control to manage it.

But it's a great feeling I can understand why he was pleased and on quiet roads he should be safe. Car drivers should be overtaking carefully anyway but at that speed on a descent they won't be overtaking so the risk of a crash is small. Tour de France comparisons are irrelevant as he isn't riding competitively in a peloton.

Original poster
Feckthelotofthem · 11/03/2023 19:26

He absolutely was wearing a helmet. He has a speedo on his bike and I think Strava mentions his top speed too.

OP posts:
JudgeRudy · 11/03/2023 19:26

Youre not unreasonable for being a bit worried. Of course it's a bit dangerous. Life is. You can reduce the risk by wearing protective equipment, choose known routes at times of lesser traffic flow etc ...or just not do it. He's 16. He wants to. Kiss him sweetly as he leaves and say 'be careful love' and bite your tongue.
Soon, if he's not already doing so, he's gonna have sex (maybe unprotected), get drunk/wasted, go on holiday with friends....leave for uni...time to back off.

pictoosh · 11/03/2023 19:26

I don’t imagine you’ll have any success in slowing him down whatever you say.
Best not to think about it.

Original poster
Feckthelotofthem · 11/03/2023 19:26

Measures not mentions!

OP posts:
Tinybrother · 11/03/2023 19:26

As someone who goes out for walks in rural areas, which will include small stretches of country road, it sounds a bit scary. Not much time for cyclist or pedestrian to react at that speed.

ColdHandsHotHead · 11/03/2023 19:27

Tinybrother · 11/03/2023 19:26

As someone who goes out for walks in rural areas, which will include small stretches of country road, it sounds a bit scary. Not much time for cyclist or pedestrian to react at that speed.

This . . . nobody will hear him coming either.

CMOTDibbler · 11/03/2023 19:27

YABU. As long as he is wearing a good, well fitting helmet, ideally has an auto alert Garmin so you know if he does crash, and what is lovingly known as a 'if found, please return to' band with emergency contacts then be glad he is out and riding

FeltCarrot · 11/03/2023 19:29

TdeF riders don’t just crash in the peloton.

Ponoka7 · 11/03/2023 19:32

It's clothing that you need to focus on. Show him some injury pictures.

TeresaCrowd · 11/03/2023 19:32

Short downhill section, especially with good visibility and run off it’s definitely fine. I live in a not particularly hilly area and there are a few where I wouldn’t think twice about hitting 36mph, rolling bikes inherently stay upright compared to ones on the brakes so as long as it’s good surface and you can see it’s safer to roll than to brake and risk a skid.

Bumblbeestungmyknee · 11/03/2023 19:34

YANBU.
The amount of skin he would loses hitting the tarmac at that speed would leave him with horrible injuries, even if he manages to avoid break any bones!

Friendlybreadbin · 11/03/2023 19:35

Downhill, no potholes and no sharp corner at the bottom, absolutely fine.

Seeline · 11/03/2023 19:35

I assume that was within the speed limit?
Cyclists can be done for speeding too

MissingMoominMamma · 11/03/2023 19:36

I’m assuming he’s a competent cyclist? He can see the road in front of him and wouldn’t take unnecessary risks?

I’ve done similar speeds on downhill stretches, but I’m always looking for hazards as I go.

CleverDaylight · 11/03/2023 19:37

Bicycle, moped, horse

All fast at 16 !