We’re seeing more kid-filled e-cargo bikes around town these days, especially with school in session. These modern, green minivans are popular for many reasons. But how did these Alameda parents get started? What advice can they share? Read on (and thank you, contributors)!
Mark Dieter: Establish a routine and it will be as easy (or easier) than your current car-based routine. The first couple times there will be issues, but you will learn how to remember everything and what time you need to get out the door. Try to give extra time at first. Hopefully your school has an open playground in the morning so being early will be a bonus.
IaSee Her: For those considering biking as an alternative mode of transportation, I’d say:
1. Find a biking solution that works for you and your family. What works well for one family may not be the best solution for you. Originally, I tried to have my kid bike himself to and from pre-school (4 miles total). That didn’t work out at all. I finally settled on a cargo bike because I did not want to resort to using a car. The cargo bike has been a great solution for our family, especially since it is a car replacement.
2. Consider the needs of your child(ren). For example, my son likes to sit back, read, and snack in the car. I wanted to provide him the same experience on a bike, so that he would not be opposed to using the bike daily. I also ride year round, including in the occasional rainy weather we get here, so it was important to be able to create an enclosed, dry space for the kid.
3. Just do it. You won’t know what works or what doesn’t until you give it a try.
Francesca Puccini: The City of Alameda Public Works and Safe Routes to Schools created maps for each school showing the safest way to get there. The safest way is not necessarily the most direct way. Take a look before planning your route. The way you choose to get there as an adult walking/biking your child may not be the way you want them to go without you when they are older. Establish the pattern now!
Maria Piper: We invested in a cargo bike to handle after-care pickups from school for my two kids. I absolutely dreaded finding parking at the center and found I was walking blocks once I found a space. With my cargo e-bike, not only was I able to ride right up to the gate, but the trip also took the same amount of time as driving! Before I knew it, I’d ridden my bike over 1500 miles in the year and would rather ride than drive almost any day (pouring rain is an exception). I’ve also been able to use the bike for hauling things around town!
Interested in learning more about cargo bikes in general? Watch for our upcoming series, “Cargo Curious,” where we’ll share results of a survey we recently conducted.