Back to School, Back to Commuting by E-Bike
It’s the first day of school and both my son and I were a bit nervous for different reasons. He’s concerned about fitting in and finding new friends when he goes back to school. Poor little dude. I know he’ll be OK though. He was happy to see me after his one hour day today and quick to point out that he LOVES school.
I’m more concerned about his physical safety these days after he broke his arm at a local playground. The past couple of weeks hasn’t been a lot of fun for him as he was born to climb and now has to stay away from the swings and monkey bars until the healing is done. On the rare occasions when we walk to school we usually stop at every playground on the way. Not fun when you’ve got a cast on your arm and are chasing the bell.
Commuting with streamers flying
To make our commute both fun and speedy we purchased our now beloved Pedego Stretch last year for the trek to Kindergarten. When we started out OLM wasn’t tall enough to reach the running boards so I fashioned a couple of seatbelts out of luggage straps which kept him secured. As he got a bit and taller and more confident he was able to sit more forward and hold onto the handlebars which are pretty cool with the streamers flying.
Riding the e-bike gives me options in how much effort I want to exert on the fifteen uphill blocks of our commute, a nice treat when I’ve not had my morning coffee.
It also allows me to be his eyes on the road. When I have to remind him to look both ways for fifteen blocks it becomes tedious, and there’s always the risk he’s not paying attention. So riding up is not only safer, it makes for a fun commute especially when the wireless speaker is pumping out Mr. Hurricane by Beast.
Safety on the road
With one hand out of commission at the start of grade 1 though we’ve reverted back to the seatbelt option. And after we came inches away from being doored by a woman in her car who didn’t see us coming up the hill really, really slowly…we might just keep it in place until he’s at least twelve.
At least she called out “I’m so sorry!” when I turned back, unlike the asshat a few months ago who basically blamed me for not being visible. Even though traffic was stopped for the all the bikes that were passing by and on a bike route no less. I could start cussing here but I won’t. No time for that.
We had a blast on the way to school today despite our close call and look forward to tomorrow. Especially because it will be his first full day on Grade 1! Hallelujah!
How are you getting to school? have you ever tried an e-bike before?
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By the way, I was not compensated for this post. I just love my e-bike! And that school is back in session!
Lee-Anne Ekland says
Hey thanks mom! I love that you comment here. 🙂 The next story coming out isn’t about biking, but about bedwetting. Stay tuned lol!
Lee-Anne Ekland says
Hi Lisa, thanks for commenting! I try to ride more into the road but then of course there is the risk around that. I just have to keep my eyes open and keep to the roads dedicated to bikes. At least they are safer.
Lisa C says
Eek, sorry to hear about the close calls. Though drivers are the ones legally responsible to not throw their door into you, dooring is sadly a huge risk. I almost never ride closer to parked cars than 1m from the edge of my handlebars. You’re entitled to ride as far right as you deem safe–no need to hug the curb or ride in the door zone. People still throw their doors open Willy nilly, but I am far enough out to not have to swerve.
franekland says
Keep up with the stories of yours and Sam’s travels up and down that long hill! Love you guys!!