Making Physical Distancing Bearable on Wheels

Biking and Scootering as an Integral Part of Daily Life

Summer is coming! A time of leisurely family bike rides and hours of free outdoor time, some might even say it’s come a bit early this year. Certainly the circumstances are far from care-free, but we are finding that we depend more than ever on fresh air family time.

Warmer weather is in full swing in many areas, and finding no contact family activities is essential. Whether you prefer to walk or jog as the kiddos learn to ride a bike, or make a day of it cruising separately, in a tagalong or using a baby bike seat there is no doubt that biking is one of the safest ways to get outdoor exercise with your family during social distancing. 

We went from meandering on wheels in the warm months around once a week to every day now during this period of COVID-19, and it’s truly been a lifesaver! Biking and scootering improve energy overflow, build confidence and help keep your family healthy while also reducing stress (which impacts kids and parents alike). 

If it’s time for your child’s first set of wheels, or an upgrade, here are a few of our favorites in the preschool through grade school range.

Bikes:

• Schwinn Elm Boys or Girls (Beginner - Toddlers or Timid Riders)
• RoyalBaby BMX Freestyle Kids Bike (Beginners)
• RoyalBaby Space Shuttle Kid’s Bike (Beginners)
• Cleary Bikes Hedgehog 16” (Beginners)
• Co-Op Rev 20” 6-Speed (Intermediate)
• Cleary Bikes Clearly Owl 20” (44-52” height - Intermediate)
• Guardian Lightweight Kids Bike 16/20/24” (3 sizes up to bigger kids)

Scooters:

• Radio Flyer Scooter
• Micro Mini Deluxe (Ages 2-5)
• Micro Maxi (Ages 5-12)
• Razor A5 Lux Scooter (Ages 8+)

Alternatively, keep your child on an age appropriate piece of equipment while actively supporting your local businesses through long term rentals. Little ones move through bike sizes and capability levels as they practice, and places like Wheelwranglers in our home town of Jackson, Wyoming offer programs that will enable you to move them up as soon as they are ready. 

Rather than holding on to expensive equipment in order to get the most use out of it, find your own hometown’s family-owned bike shop. Bike shops were deemed essential businesses, but even after physical distancing is a thing of the past, all small businesses, essential or not, will need your support more than ever.

Do you have a favorite bike or scooter? We look forward to hearing from you at share@happyly.com. 

We welcome you to check out our blog for more inspiration from Adapting to Our New Normal, join as we Banish Boredom or helpful tips on Nurturing Your Partnership in light of social distancing.

Also, please take a moment to explore this week’s happyly Survival Toolbox, including a Daily Schedule designed to create positive days at home with your family. As always, we welcome your family's highlights! Tag us on Instagram @gethappyly!