Biking Along With Your Kid – Great Adventure, Exercise and Education of all Kinds

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_Waterfront_Greenway

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/mwg/mwghome.shtml

Today was a good, relaxing Columbus Day perfect for a bike ride, so we went ahead and took advantage of an East River Greenway which runs along the East Side from The Battery and past South Street Seaport to East Harlem. Some places were narrow due to sinkholes being blocked off by protective fencing, requiring slower speeds. The main idea was to have a great time but apart from that to provided outdoor and environmental education. Today adventure shown Basia how to be safe and responsible on a powerful vehicle while realizing its full potential.

We went through the safety rules first.

All biking should be taken seriously in terms of safety by wearing a helmet and following the rules of the road.

We talked about environmental benefits.

Biking is a wonderful activity. It saves on gas consumption and doesn't add pollution to the air. In fact, cycling is becoming so important and so mainstream that many cities are now adding bike lanes to their major roads and thoroughfares.

We tried to find all health benefits.

Biking is great exercise. It works all parts of the body since you have to be able to balance yourself while at the same time power the bike. And, of course, your rear end really gets a workout having to stay on the little seat while traveling. It is good for posture and helps to strengthen the back, arms and legs. Plus, biking is terrific for the mind and soul. It encourages your mind to wander, freeing up all the day's clutter.

We thought about social benefits.

Biking is a great exercise because the whole family can easily participate.

We looked for objects of our interest.

When biking you can travel around and see whatever your heart desires. It is your ticket to see the world. Recreational cycling allows you to enjoy the little things that you would not normally see. It allows you to be at one with nature when cycling for fun or in a park-like setting.