AIBU to cycle 7 miles with my kids for the school run?

[Yestoday]

I have DC 9, 6 and 2. We have just lost our second car and it might be a while until we get it back (3/4 weeks maybe?). DH can take the 2 year old to nursery on his way to work but he’ll need to leave at 7:15.

I was thinking I can cycle the older two to school and back each day. It’s 3.5 miles each way. We practiced today and it’s about 40 minutes one way. It’s mostly on field paths and farm tracks so safe enough.

Do you think it’s doable? I’d take drinks and snacks and change of shoes etc. I’m thinking they’ll be knackered the first few days but will get used to it. DH thinks I’ll end up begging friends to give us a lift after a few days!

Will they be carrying school bags when they're cycling?
Sports kits will be heavy, rucksacks bulky, particularly for a 6 year old.

Just a thought @Yestoday
if it’s only for 3-4 weeks could you hire a car for this period of time?

I’m amazed (and a bit jealous) that you have time for it. I'm sure you’ll be fine for a few weeks.

I'm laughing at all the hand wringing over freezing weather, storms, snow, rain deluges. It's only just October!

Well there was flooding where I live on Friday and we've had winds gusting over 40mph several days in the last week. 🤷‍♀️

I think they'll be fine Op, just make sure you have some protein snacks or a sandwich for them at pick up, they will just need double calories

I’ll take everything in my rucksack. They don’t have a lot of stuff

And why is that different to kids who have a long walk to school?

What time will you be cycling home after school? The clocks go back at the end of this month. It will get dark a lot earlier.

The six year old will be asleep at their desk!

Just 3.5miles/40 minutes of biking, with none of it on roads, I'm amazed you haven't been cycling all along!

When dgc was in reception so 4/5 all the kids were walked a mile round the school girls before lessons every day. They weren't asleep at their desks.

Cycling 3.5 miles is a lot different to walking a mile. Why were they walked around the girls?

It's October. It's not going to be freezing and there isn't going to be snow. Cycling in the rain is fun with the right clothing, it's only really strong winds which are a problem and chances are you'll have that once or twice at most. Stick a few tools into a saddle bag and crack on. The more people we get on bikes from a young age, the better..

@Yestoday sounds bonkers to me but then I brought my family up in inner London and they got trains to school and back.
They're safe and grown up, well educated and I'm sure that sounds equally bonkers.

Could you not drop your DH at work, the wee one at nursery and then the kids at school? Even if it meant an earlier start for everyone it might be better than farm tracks on rainy days?

If he leaves at 7.15 and starts at 7.45 then even if it’s in the opposite direction you’d be back near your home at 8.15 so could drive to the school then.

I know you’d feel like a taxi but if it’s only for a few weeks it might be worth it

Agree with this 100% . There is more to think about than getting from A to B !

Will you be cycling back home after and then again in the afternoon to collect them, or going on to work?
Cause it'll actually be 14 miles per day for you! Not a deal breaker at all if you are a fit and keen cyclist, but just wanted to make sure youd factored in that!

Give it a go. I think they will be fine. An experience they may well look back on fondly or even ask to carry on with regularly. It’s 3.5 miles not 10. Even if something does happen eg punctures you can walk the rest of the way within an hour.

I think this sounds lovely! Well for the kids - personally I hate cycling as I’m not good at it. But my kids 10 and 8 and DH regularly do 10 mile cycles together and it’s no bother to them. They see all kinds of wonderful sights and have great chats. It’ll do wonders for everyone’s fitness and strength too.

Try it and see how you go.
I'd let school know so they know to go easy on the kids esp if its PE or something first thing.

I'd try to save the petrol money for the horrible rainy day when you decide a taxi is best option.

But generally good luck.

I'd get a pannier bag, way more comfortable than a sweaty rucksack.

Do consider a tag-along attachment for the 6 year old's bike. Cycling on small wheels and no/few gears is far more exhausting. Borrow the biggest bike that fits his size if his current one is a bit small.

This, they wouldn't bat an eyelid doing this in Denmark, kids would probably go on their own though!
I don't see why snacks are required tbh but as a cyclist lights and rain gear are essential.

Is there somewhere safe to leave the kids’ bikes at school during the day?

It's 3.5 miles though and then the school day as a break. I'd say it's doable and is a great thing to try...so many benefits.

The only issue I would.see is off road tracks can get muddy which can make for slippy riding. But if the paths are wide enough/grassy enoigh you should be ae to find a non muddy bit to ride on.

Capes are a great way to keep rain off ...better in some ways than waterproofs.