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!

I'm worried they'll be knackered at school once the thrill wears off

He uses the car for work

why?
cycling 5k at this speed is as strenuous walking.

anyone who is knackered after half an hour ish walking is seriously unfit.

And a small gym towel to wipe any wet seats.

Should be fine. Children did this all by themselves back in my day and as you say it's a safe path there. Had a friend who did this in a town with hills not long ago. Her children were really fit and one now competes in cycling at a national level.

But in theory you could if you had the car. My DH used to cycle 3 hours to work and back EACH way, not that long ago so not talking about the 70s 😂.

Your DH could cycle, you could leave early, drive to nursery and then drive to school.

You could always try one of those shot gun tow straps for the 6 yr old if he’s struggling

That was always the worst part of biking to school, punctures. Think you can get quick fix repair kits now though. We used to have a pump fitted to the frame but don't know if they do that now.

My parents couldn't affird a car. We biked everywhere. 4 miles is fine. You get used to it.

He COULD. He does use the car for work - not always granted but some days he would have to have it. I think though, us riding 40 minutes - hopefully less when we’re practised - is probably better than a mid-forties gentleman doing 4 hours a day from a cold start.

I will bear it in mind though if the kids really do start to flag as time goes on. He can get some Lycra.

Don't feel you must own a pannier, it's personal preference really. With a rucksack I get a sweaty back the moment it's over 15 degrees, and enjoy the freedom of movement without. Also I always seem to carry loads of detour via shops.

If you get one, get a roll top waterproof one with clips to secure it (not a little velcro strap. Ortlieb are great but £££ and there are plenty of similar designs for £25-40ish.

This is a great shout. Wet bums to start the ride back is miserable

It's the opposite. As you make exercise routine, it becomes easier. You get faster, fitter, stronger and more confident.

And it really is energising as a PP said. Sounds counterintuitive perhaps if you haven't tried regular active transport and only do a little bike ride round the park a few times a month, but it's true. You feel MORE alert, not knackered. There is lots of research that shows how good it is for children at school and they really benefit from the extra alertness.

Cycling is an exercise that can be as strenuous as a hard sprint or a gentle stroll, you choose the exertion level to a large extent. It's also the number one most energy efficient mode of transport that humans have ever devised.

Yes. Just like a lot of adults have a gym session before work.

Sounds good OP. If the rucksack works for now, I wouldn't go buying expensive panniers. If you intend to keep it up however, they are great, look into Ortliebs brand, they will last a lifetime.

It will only get easier and faster from now. I would look at those cycling poncho/cape things. They are effective and more comfortable than boil in the bag waterproof clothing.

It could only be a handful of days when you need them anyway. Even if it's raining lightly on the way home it doesn't matter so much, straight in the shower and into jimmy jams is a joy after a wet ride home.

It doesn't surprise me that the kids loved it. Most kids would rather ride their bikes through the woods than sit in a car seat. Once they get going at least and as long as you leave enough time so it doesn't become a race against the clock and you are calling them to hurry up every five minutes.

OP please come back and update us after your first bad weather day and again when you get your car back from the garage. I would love to hear how you all get on and if you intend to keep it up, at least a few days a week!

Remember, the first day is the hardest (OK and then maybe the first really wet and windy day). Then it's basically all downhill from there. Wishing you all the best 🚴‍♀️💪

I can’t believe the number of people thinking this is exhausting for the children!

Two times half an hour of easy physical activity and outdoor time per day (which it will be as soon as they get used to it) is barely the recommended amount for any human being, especially children. They’re hardly being trained for the Olympics here!

Of course you’ll all be fine. In fact, you’ll be doing them an favour in terms of longer term exercise habits and health. I’d recommend keeping it up after you get the car back, as long as you have the time to do it. Expect some moaning on rainy days though, until they get used to the idea.

Glad it went well OP. I agree with a PP, I wouldn't rush to buy a lot of new kit at this stage, not if you might only be doing it for a couple of weeks. If you all get a taste for it and decide to keep it up then for sure, having better equipment can make a big difference.But if it is just a stop gap until your car is fixed there's no point in buying stuff that will just gather dust after half term.
My winter cycling gloves probably cost more than some people would spend on a bike and I wouldn't be without them, but I ride a lot, year round, and the expenditure is worth it to me. Were I an occasional cyclist I'd probably put up with my hands getting a bit chilly from time to time in cheaper gloves. Cycling can be very expensive but it doesn't have to be. In your position I would probably make do with what you have for as long as the weather stays ok and use the money you might have spent on panniers etc for taxis on any really bad days. Then if you get the bug, upgrade.
But what I really would invest in is some time in learning how to change an inner tube. It's not that difficult but you really don't want to be faced with doing it for the first time in the middle of a field when you're running late and the weather isn't looking good! It's that kind of thing that can really take the shine off bike rides. There'll be plenty of youtube videos etc you can learn from. I did use Slime in my tyres when i was commuting regularly but it isn't infalliable and I always carried spare tubes and tools too. Also make sure you know how to put a dropped chain back on. Again, not usually difficult at all but can feel daunting if you aren't used to it. It's well worth having a couple of pairs of disposable gloves in your bag (the type everyone got in the pandemic) so you don't end up with filthy hands if you have a mechanical issue to deal with. And don't forget to keep the bikes clean with lubed chains and tyres inflated to the right pressure as that can really affect how enjoyable your ride is.

I think some of the naysayers have never regularly cycled. If your mental image of cycling is either kids going hell for leather 5 mins to the local park then abandoning the bikes to play, or full blown MAMILs doing 100 milers at the weekend, then you may not appreciate the "active travel" commuting type of cycling. I've cycled to work for nigh on twenty years - I'm not very fit, I don't go very fast, it's generally been a 4-5 mile trip each way. Half an hour of gentle physical effort on a bike isn't hardcore exercise - it's much more like going for a walk than going for a run. And cycling every day you do appreciate that it actually doesn't rain on you all that often. Cycling in to a headwind is actually more unpleasant more often than proper rain! If your tracks get proper muddy then that's another kettle of fish, but a 3.5 mile off-road cycle route to school is the dream really. A great way to set yourself up for the day, get some fresh air and gentle exercise, power yourself somewhere rather than relying on a car.

My top tip is use a basket or panniers if you can because cycling with a rucksack on is uncomfortable and makes your back sweaty, let the bike carry the load.

Glad today went well.
I bet it will get slicker in time and practice.

I wouldn't go buying lots of new kit either, if your really want panniers etc I would potentially look on the second hand sites, FB Marketplace & Gumtree etc, lots of people buy specialists kit then hardly use it so end up selling it on.

Well done OP! Perfect timing as its cycle to school week this week too!

@Yestodaylots of panniers and racks on Vinted.

How farmy are the farm tracks? Around here they get incredibly muddy, are part of the run off system and get flooded, and used for livestock...who leave their own special offerings and smell! Also, we are about to hit rain, snow and black ice in the mornings. Sorry! Not helpful, but if it were a different seanson I'm sure it would fine.

I do a 3 mile each way bike ride, it is a great way to start the day. I don't do it in snow, heavy frost or properly driving rain, but those days are rare and I am a wimp.

Just over half a mile of this is off road and very muddy, so if your tracks are like that I would have a think about footwear. My waterproof trousers cover my feet, but I still wear short rubber boots underneath and they are properly muddy. I haven't tried cycling overshoes, but I need the boots anyway at the other end.

I continue to be shocked at this thread. Anyone would think OP is trekking with the kids up the Himalayas or something

Its a pootle on the bike

Talk of hiring a car, various bits of equipment, changing the whole routine and removing the car fro her husband all for just a few weeks because people's minds are blown by kids doing exercise. It is really concerning

Its like that thread the other month about the mum walking her son to school. People couched their 'concern' on that thread about the reason for that which was the mums anxiety on buses

But here, there is no 'concern' about OPs mental health but people are still pushing that there has to be a car involved somewhere down the line, car hire, husbands car, taxi, a friend running them!!

No, the kids can cycle!!! Its good for them.