Dust Off Bike and Pedal Your Way to Family Fun

The post-winter washing of grit and grime off bikes that have been precariously suspended from wobbly hooks in the garage is just as much a rite of spring as the early sounds of squirrels raising havoc in our clogged rain gutters. As we scrape off dried mud, we observe dents, scratches and bent spokes that trigger priceless memories and lively conversations about the places we’ve peddled to through the years.

With gas prices gouging family travel budgets, this is the summer to plan your own memorable treks, by bike! Enjoy the satisfaction of beating the system, so to speak, and getting to your favorite places on your own steam.

You don’t have to wait until school is out to enjoy biking.

Here’s how to get started:

— For kids, biking is often more about the destination than the journey. They want to bike “to” someplace. Make a family list of destinations, starting with places close by, such as your neighborhood library, ice-cream hangout and community swimming pool. Take a look at a map and figure out the best and safest routes. As you gain confidence and experience riding together, plan more trips to favorite destinations. Start a “Family Biking” notebook where you keep track of your treks and experiences. Hone math skills by recording and calculating the miles traveled. For fun, add them up at the end of the summer.

— Keep a standard bike pouch filled with a simple repair kit, including tire patches and a pump. Always carry water bottles and encourage everyone to drink fluids often. Wear bike helmets that fit correctly.

— When you’re home, get inspired about biking with the recently published, 480-page “Bicycle: The History,” by David V. Herlihy (Yale University Press). This beautiful book is a lively, historical account of the bicycle, richly illustrated to provide interest in the topic for all ages in the family. You’ll want to keep it off the shelf and on your coffee table for easy reference and enjoyment.

Parenting Tip: Since May is National Bike Month, May 20 has been designated Bike-to-Work Day. If possible, make plans to bike to your place of employment. By your example, your kids will see that biking is a healthy and enjoyable mode of everyday transportation.

Write Donna with your questions and ideas at www.donnasday.com. Donna’s latest book, “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families,” is available in bookstores nationwide. © Donna Erickson. Distributed by King Features Syndicate