A Top Way To Keep Fit With A Little One Or Two In Tow
Sun Herald
Sunday October 26, 2003
IF there's one ``luxury" that bites the dust when kids won't sit happily in the stroller for longer than it takes to get out of the driveway, it's exercise.
With children aged up to 12 months it's likely you'll have at least an hour's uninterrupted walk or run behind the pram.
Beyond this age you're kidding yourself if you think you can circumnavigate the park or suburb without accommodating regular bursts of independence (they want to walk), special needs (not the blue drink cup, the yellow one) and muffled chats (what was that, honey?).
Sure, you could always step up to a gym membership and put your kids in the creche, assuming it had one, but what a lot of hard work. First packing your bag, then theirs. Followed by unpacking your bag, then theirs, when you realise you're never going to get that snotty nose past the sign-in desk.
But there is a way you can have attachment with your kids and exercise go bike riding.
Little ones can be attached either on the front or back of your bike, pedallers a little further behind on a half-wheeler attached to your bike's frame, or a couple of snoozers in a tag-along trailer.
A rear seat can hold a child weighing up to 22 kilograms and is perfect for those aged between one and five. They can chat to you all they like as you pedal through calorie after calorie and, depending on your level of fitness, you'll be able to chat right back.
A seat on the handlebars will hold a child weighing up to 15 kilograms. This is for little ones who need a more watchful eye. Take your bike to a reputable store beforehand, however, to check that it can accommodate a front carrier.
Children aged five and over are ready for the half-wheeler a bike with one wheel at the back and a bar that attaches to your bike. Together, you can pedal to school, around the park, all over the place. And it's a great way to introduce the safety and rules of bike riding.
If you have a couple of kids in tow you'll need a trailer which can convert to a jogger pram. It is secured to your bike's frame and, with its comfy seats for two plus room for books, drinks and snacks, seatbelts, weather protection and little windows, you could find yourself doing more kilometres than you bargained for because your passengers have fallen asleep. I'd be switching to granny gears for that one.sbrydenbrown@bigpond.com
CASH AND CARRY
* Ask your local council for safe, easy cycling tracks in your area.
* Don't put a child under 12 months in a trailer or on a carrier seat (head and neck need to be strong enough to support helmet). Check with your GP or pediatrician if you're unsure.
* Bobike mini child carriers take up to 15 kilograms, attach to front of bike, about $145. Ask at bike shop if your bike will take one. Have it fitted.
* Rear seats, from $189 to $299, carry up to 22 kilograms.
* Half-wheelers for children aged five and up cost around $399; trailer that converts to jogger pram (carries two, up to 45 kilograms) about $499.
* See www.rta.nsw.gov.au for more cycling information.
© 2003 Sun Herald