Risky kids!

[raftn]

So tell me what do people think about taking thie kids for a ride on the back of there bikes. my two are 10 and 8 and are nuts about bikes, always nagging me for a ride. I have purchased protective gear for them icluding correct fitting helmet, gloves boots jackets etc.....and i am utmost carefull when i take them for a ride, but now i have found that i am getting grief from the x wife about all the dangers..blah blah blah, It doesnt help that she is a nurse, and gets to see all the graphic pictures of accidents etc.....I have found in general that the rides i have taken the kids on have been very enjoyable, when we stop and chat and talk like best friends, and is something we enjoy doing together, and they get quality one on one time with Dad.(well when we stop they do) So what are other peoples view on this?

[TerminalAddict]

I take the kids sometimes ... 14 and 12

[jim.cox]

I take my kids (8 and 9) for the occaisional blatt.

I'm more than usually paranoid riding with them on behind.

It is a risk - I would hate to have an accident with them onboard.

But I think the benefits of the shared experience make it worthwhile

[Usarka]

If you're teaching your kids good risk-management then good stuff...

too many kids growing up in bubble wrap these days.....

[sunhuntin]

i grew up sitting on the tank, going around the back yard on one of dads jappas. loved it!

so long as they know to hold on, i think itd be fine. ive never heard of a child falling off the back or being involved in an accident. im sure its happened, but ive never heard anything.
everything has its risks, and kids dont take enough of them these days.

[Maki]

I have got a 4 year old and I can't wait till she is big enough to take for a ride. She will of course have all the protective gear.

I might even be able to pick her up from school once in a while. I am sure other kids will go green with envy when her laid back dad picks her up on his cool bike, heaps better than being picked up by a stressed out and screaming parent driving a stodgy SUV...

[raftn]

Foot note to all this, i have picked up my kids form school on the bike, and they just never stop talking about it! There mates think it is so cool. I some times think politcal correctness has gone wrong... we are trying to hard to do everthing right, that we end up doing nothing!

[MisterD]

My little 'un (2 +a bit) loves to ride on my pushie and to roll down the driveway stood on the floorboards of the Lambretta...he'll be on the back as soon as he can hang on properly.

IMO for all of us parents risking being on 2 wheels, it's probably a good tune-up for us to have the kids on the back, because we should be riding as though they are there all the time...

[Pumba]

I got carted around on the back of a bike at about that age. Sure there are risk associated with it (isint there with everything), but you try and minimise them.

Probally the only damage you are doing is condeming them to a life of pouring every free cent of money that the earn into bikes, petrol, and other bike related events. (well maybe tht was just me)

[CookMySock]

i am getting grief from the x wifethis is quite normal, as I understand it. Never had an x wife (mine is an "A" wife lol) so I couldn't tell you first hand.

DB

[PrincessBandit]

All comes down to level of "understanding" on part of child and parent. I'd be disinclined to take a very young child or one who had difficulty doing as they were told on the back of my bike. (Have only had Ripper Roo92 on the back, and he's big enough and ugly enough to understand what's required to be a pillion, not to mention that he rides anyway).
I've often thought about whether I'd be happy taking a child on the back and come to the conclusion that it would be very dependant on circumstances. e.g. older sensible child yes, without hesitation (with proper gear goes without saying); young child who is used to riding with someone else, possibly; under 8 (arbitrary age limit there) probably not likely; fidgitty wriggle worm, forget it; as a 'life saving' last resort of course.
I think that as far as exes are concerned (never had one, but know lots of em) it can be more a case of hassle for the sake of it rather than the actual issue, or they're convinced that anyone else , no matter who, won't look after the kids as well as they do.
Try short rides, see how they respond and go from there. It can be a whole new learning experience for all concerned, and should hopefully be enjoyable while you're at it. (You'll feel lots more stress than the kids will but as an adult you should have better coping mechanisms!)
Go for it.

[fergie]

I have always taken my kids/grandkids for rides, they love it!
it has taught them balance and given them an early start into 2wheeledom, thats not a bad thing.

[RC1]

used to take my oldest daughter (18) riding all the time when she was about 8 she loved it and still take her out now on occasion , would not hesitate to take the others out when there about 8 in a couple of years

[007XX]

I take my kids (8 and 9) for the occaisional blatt.

I'm more than usually paranoid riding with them on behind.

It is a risk - I would hate to have an accident with them onboard.

But I think the benefits of the shared experience make it worthwhile

What the man said...

My husband and I go riding each on our own bike...my son (10 y/o) rides with hubby (not his natural father) and has done so since he was offered his first ride as his 9th birthday presie. They were close before but are way more now, and I can tell you that this is invaluable.

Creating a passion for our children is a duty for us parents. And yes, some risks are involved, but so is there in crossing the road.

You are giving your young ones life experiences they will never forget. You're introducing them to a community that values (for the majority) respect for yourself and other people, and encourages an eagerness for challenges.

I know that it is difficult when someone from a family is a non biker / believer. But I don't think you are doing the wrong thing by introducing them to something you love. Like you said, it is Dad/ kids time, and it is priceless...so good on you! :niceone:

[yod]

dont take em out in the rain/sleet/snow/ice/gridlock/auckland motorway/racetrack

and dont ride like a maniac

that should cut down the risk considerably

[RnB Fan]

I've taken my oldest (7 yrs) on a quick blat up the road and up and down the driveway but that's as far as we've gone. I would definitely consider taking him on a longer trip but only if he has all the gear and I would wait until he's a bit older and a bit bigger. Agree with others that it is great to have a shared interest and good bonding time.

[mashman]

I don't have a problem with it... can't wait until the girls are a little older and i've got enough brass to buy them decent gear. My dad destroyed a pram and strapped the seat onto the back of his Beeza when I was 4 and I remember loving it...

People put their kids in seats on the back of pushbikes these days on surafces you wouldn't have them riding in roller skates on... I've tried that with my kids and those seats really throw out the balance of the bike... just as dangerous, if not more so as they're only in a flimsy helmet...

[breakaway]

i grew up sitting on the tank, going around the back yard on one of dads jappas

Same, and I've only had one near fatal crash! Whoohoo :rolleyes:

[MIXONE]

I've taken my kids on the back since they were old enough to hang on.Even used to pick the youngest up from kindie on the beema and if you think other kids think it's cool you should see their mums:rolleyes: however at a neighbourhood bbq a wee while back one of the neighbours told me I was irresponsible for risking my kid's lives.For the sake of neighbour relations I bit my tongue and walked away without pointing out the fact that he takes his kids fishing.

[sinfull]

I've taken my kids on the back since they were old enough to hang on.Even used to pick the youngest up from kindie on the beema and if you think other kids think it's cool you should see their mums:rolleyes: however at a neighbourhood bbq a wee while back one of the neighbours told me I was irresponsible for risking my kid's lives.For the sake of neighbour relations I bit my tongue and walked away without pointing out the fact that he takes his kids fishing.

Bling sent !

[flyingbrick]

I vote for having the x wife assisinated.

[Pedrostt500]

Yup take em for a ride, short rides to start with to build theirs and your confidence, then longer ones, they will love it so will you.

[Oakie]

It's all about risk management. Consider the risks, eliminate, isolate or minimise them and then go for it!

[Renegade]

20 years ago i was given my first ride by my mums boyfriend on his bike, it became a regular thing we did, im still loving bikes

[flyingbrick]

It's all about risk management. Consider the risks, eliminate, isolate or minimise them and then go for it!

Eliminate her. Thats what ive been saying!:bash:

[FJRider]

Bling sent !

.....Me too !!!

[FJRider]

I vote for having the x wife assisinated.

Kill her sister ???

[T bone]

get your kids into it not only for bonding with your kids but give them a passion. It lacks so much these days in the young ones. I see heaps of young people these days & they don't have anything to do but cause shit. You never know you could just be bring up the next Rossi????

[Oakie]

Yup take em for a ride, short rides to start with to build theirs and your confidence, then longer ones, they will love it so will you.

Yup. Little Miss 19 months old often demands a ride now. Sits on the tank holding the handlebars while surrounded by my arms and goes "weeeee" as we take off down the drive.
(Yes, no helmets and it does appear to be on the road but it's really just off the end of our driveway at the end of our quiet cul-de-sac. Managed risk I tells ya)

[clmintie]

Children and bikes go together like...well, children and bikes. Done properly it's a very cool way for a family to spend time together... I don't have a road bike, or even a bike with pillion pegs, so this is how we introduced our girls to the joys of motorcycling...So far , so good.......... They would love it if I picked them up from school on some megacycle, but I don't have one to try with..... Every time they see a sidecar outfit, they go into raptures (even at Puke...:eek5: ) We ride lots and racing isn't far off for one of them.....

[sinfull]

Yup. Little Miss 19 months old often demands a ride now. Sits on the tank holding the handlebars while surrounded by my arms and goes "weeeee" as we take off down the drive.
(Yes, no helmets and it does appear to be on the road but it's really just off the end of our driveway at the end of our quiet cul-de-sac. Managed risk I tells ya)

:corn:
Pulls up a chair

[raftn]

I vote for having the x wife assisinated.

You have made my day! My thoughts exactly!

[alanzs]

but now i have found that i am getting grief from the x wife about all the dangers..blah blah blah, It doesnt help that she is a nurse, and gets to see all the graphic pictures of accidents etc.....I have found in general that the rides i have taken the kids on have been very enjoyable, when we stop and chat and talk like best friends, and is something we enjoy doing together, and they get quality one on one time with Dad.(well when we stop they do) So what are other peoples view on this?

Your EX WIFE gives you grief. That's unique!. Key words, EX WIFE. Have fun with your kids, and let the EX WIFE worry about whatever the hell she wants. Be safe, teach them well, be their dad and enjoy them while they are young, as they grow up waaaay too fast.
I used to take my kids on the back of my bikes when they were little; starting at 6 and 8 years old. I had a strap made so that my daughter wouldn't fall asleep and fall off. They were so relaxed on the bikes, and they loved all aspects of the ride, just like we do; the thrill of acceleration, the scary times, the boring times, the food, they loved it all. They have grown up with the best memories of having great, quality time with their dad, and I have great memories of them as well.
Keep doing what you are doing! Sounds like you are a good father for questioning what you are doing...:niceone:

[Usarka]

Oh i didn't read that it was your EX wife.

Fuck her :finger: do what you think is right

:innocent:

[wickle]

So tell me what do people think about taking thie kids for a ride on the back of there bikes. my two are 10 and 8 and are nuts about bikes, always nagging me for a ride. I have purchased protective gear for them icluding correct fitting helmet, gloves boots jackets etc.....and i am utmost carefull when i take them for a ride, but now i have found that i am getting grief from the x wife about all the dangers..blah blah blah, It doesnt help that she is a nurse, and gets to see all the graphic pictures of accidents etc.....I have found in general that the rides i have taken the kids on have been very enjoyable, when we stop and chat and talk like best friends, and is something we enjoy doing together, and they get quality one on one time with Dad.(well when we stop they do) So what are other peoples view on this?
ex's, hate the kids coming home so excited about what they did with the other parent which I supose puts them on the auto defencive. Take them riding if they love it.

[Padmei]

Take my two girls 3 1/2 & 5 1/2on my bike at the same time - one on the tank & older one behind. They both love it to bits when we go down the long driveway to the letterbox or dairy. Have taken older one on ulysses toy run & she really loved it. - my mate was following said with all the waving there wasn't a lot of holding on going on - luckily I was only going 20kph.

They really enjoy the wind in their faces & giggle when I give it a little acceleration ( I said little)

I hope to be riding with my girls when they are old enough to get their licenses

[bull]

I take my boy, 11yrs old on the bike to rugby most weekends. I remember my old man taking me on a bike once in my entire life and wish it had been more, so kind of making up for lost time with my own boy. My two younger boys 7 and 6 want to go on it but too small at present. Have picked my eldest up from school a few times and he gets all the oohs and aahs from the other kids, he knows it cool as hell.

My two younger boys have been on a old trail bike with me at local empty lot but nowhere else. Would love to have the pingas to get them some trail bikes to ride but alas the money tree is still not sprouting.

Ive told all my kids, once youre 15 youre getting a bike, then they can ride to school, and rugby trainings and part time jobs - sounds like freedom to both them and me.

[BiK3RChiK]

Raftn, your time with YOUR kids is YOUR time! Tell her to p*ss off and stop interfering when it's her time out.. I'm sure from having met you and from what you have said that you would be very responsible! She needs to get a life...

[mashman]

Raftn, your time with YOUR kids is YOUR time! Tell her to p*ss off and stop interfering when it's her time out.. I'm sure from having met you and from what you have said that you would be very responsible! She needs to get a life...

ABSOFUCKINLUTELY...

Might be worth pointing out that you consider the time on the bike less damaging to their health than the time they spend with their mother!!! (let's not get into mother in laws... EEEEEK!!!!)

[Donor]

When I am able to get my 6 year old some gears, he'll be coming on small rides with me.

Also means I will be able to drop him at school in the mornings on the bike, instead of having to bloody drive every day.

I have sufficient trust in myself as both a rider and a father, to ride with the skill necessary to prevent any harm coming to my most precious child.

[FROSTY]

As you can see in my profile pic i've been carrying baby bikie most of his life on a bike.
Never had a drama.
If you look back at old threads you'll see the same question answered.

Thing is I figured ok this is a dangerous decision Im making --so how can I make it as safe as possible.
Baby bike wears gloves, a kids sized helmet,leather jacket a back/chest protector,MX boots and ski pants.

When he was younger He had BMX gloves,a kids MX lid (replaced with a shoei youth full face) A ski jacket ,pants and gumboots

[civil]

I started picking my son up from knidy on the back of the bike when he was 4yo. He had his own helmet and was racing his own crf50 in the mini MX class by then.

Got stopped by a cop once to tell me he should be in an "approved safety device". I left the cop standing on the side of the road when he could not tell me what one of them was!!!

Best thing you can do is get them on bikes early to learn how to behave on them.

[raftn]

Thanx to all that offerd your pearls of wisdom.....it s nice to know that i am not alone on this one. i will continue to take my kids on my bike, regardless of the x missis. The time i spend with them is precious. Safe riding all.

[firefighter]

Do what the fu*k you want, theyr'e your kids too. My folks had the EXACT same argument and were also seperated, and quite often I was in the middle of it (no bullshit councelling needed here!...twitch.. twitch) but my oldman would just take me out anyway (just a helmet and sometimes no shoes!) and i'm really grateful that he did, I loved spending time with the oldman and I'd have to say just go for it.

[paulmac]

I get asked by friends kids for rides and my standard answer is : If you can see over my shoulder whilst we are sitting on the bike, then yes I'll take you for a ride"
I've found it easier when they can see whats happening
my $0.02 worth