Monday Mantra: Wheels!

[HeatherNYC]

I remember all of my bikes. My red tricycle gave way to my yellow and blue two-wheeler, and then the red 10-speed came along. With all three, I never wore a helmet. And those guys that lived down the street with skateboards? Maybe one had a helmet, but definitely no elbow pads or knee guards.

Times have changed since the 70s and 80s -- not only is TAB soda gone, so have the days of so-so safety. It seems that since my daughter was born, something with wheels has been parked somewhere in our apartment: the big snap-n-go stroller, then the umbrella stroller, and now her scooter.

Granted, when she was in those strollers, we didn't really need to worry about safety, per se, except that she was properly buckled in. But now, with the scooter and bike days upon us, safety is the number one element we focus on as she travels along the city sidewalks on wheels. Sure, I'm hoping she has fun and a smile on her face, but I mostly care that she is safe.

It is tough to get our kids to do a lot of things and we may slide on certain healthy habits every now and then, but bike-scooter-skateboard, okay, let's call it wheel safety is one area where we can't skimp on.

All this week, we'll talk about keeping our kids safe as they ride those wheeled things, how to make it fun and safe.

Do you remember biking as a kid? Did you wear a helmet? Do you now wear one when you go biking with them? (You should you know!)

 

©iStockphoto.com/jwblinn

[soccerchik8287]

I always wore a helmet. I didnt use to wear a helmet (once I turned 16 my parents let me choose) but my boyfriend is all for them so I do usually wear one now

[gacgbaker]

We never did wear helmets really when we went biking around the neighborhood or on a trail- when we were really little we had them, but not as we got older.  

[VisionSeeker]

 We biked EVERYWHERE and never wore helmets.  But I'm also from the generation that rode around in station wagons without seatbelts and drank from a hose :)

I don't bike anymore though I'd love to get started.  I would wear a helment now just to set the example for my kids.

[batjmom]

I use to ride my bike a lot as a kid but never wore a helmet.

I don't ride now but if I did I would wear a helmet because I make the kids wear one.

[PoehlerBear1983]

I did not wear a helmet.

If i still rode now i would

[Audreesmommy757]

i remember learning to ride my first bike which was 5 speed bike...with no helmet flying down this really steep road...i cringe at the thought of it now

[countrymomma81]

I don't remember my bikes, but I remember having them. I never wore a helmet and we don't make our kids wear them. They hardly ride so it's nothing I worry about. We don't have a whole lot of place to ride. Our road is too busy and our driveway is gravel so that leaves only when we go to my MIL's which isn't often. 

[MamaBear2cubs]

I never wore a helmet.My kids will.

[jessicasmom1]

no we do not wear them she is super careful

[sarah824]

I never wore a helmet as a kid. NEVER! Both of my kids are required to have a helmet on when they are on wheels. Bikes, scooters and skateboards. I don't make them wear pads though. I don't ride a boke often, but I don't wear a helmet when I do.