Best place to practice riding a bike?
In a city like Portland, we cannot help but to be innundated with bike love. We mamas are clearly bike lovers, and we are breeding the next batch of biking folks. So, what is the best way to let our little ones practice new skills of riding a two-wheeler and practicing control of their bike? A mama recently emailed:
I live in Hillsdale in SW Portland - which is a great neighborhood with sidewalks - and as the name suggests many hills. My question is where are some great places to take my daughter to learn and to practice riding a bike. Something flat, with some trails, safe, fun for all? Any suggestions?
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Our son started in the tennis court across the street from our house - its smooth, flat, the worse thing to run into is the fence, and you can't get hit by a car.
Posted by: KateC | May 20, 2009 at 04:49 PM
School playgrounds on the weekend or after hours are perfect. The one near us has been closed for a few years, so we can practice any time we want to!
Posted by: alpidarkomama | May 20, 2009 at 05:40 PM
BTW, it's Smith School in SW, so close to where the OP is.
Posted by: alpidarkomama | May 20, 2009 at 05:40 PM
I second school parking lots!
Posted by: Anon | May 20, 2009 at 07:08 PM
Tracks are good, too. And a little bit easier to fall down on than a blacktopped playground or concrete tennis court.
Posted by: Sheryl | May 20, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Yup, I learned how to ride a bike 25 years ago on the blacktop of Stephenson Elementary in SW Pdx!
Posted by: Sareena | May 20, 2009 at 08:33 PM
Definitely a middle or high school running track. Everyone can ride/walk/run at their own pace, usually not crowded, you don't have to worry about them going around a corner and out of site and usually there is a port-a-potty nearby just in case.
Posted by: Hope | May 20, 2009 at 08:43 PM
Willamette Park has some nice bike trails. Paved and no cars.
Posted by: Jessica D | May 20, 2009 at 10:06 PM
capital hill elementary on SW Spring Garden. Very close to you. huge flat area with a play structure in the middle. Everyone in the neighborhood teaches their kids to ride at capitol hill.
Posted by: holden | May 20, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Stephenson Elementary in SW PDX. Large pavement area (a few pot holes and bumps) and a large path around the baseball fields. Lots of kids I know learned to ride on the grass fields to eliminate the hurt of falling. Good luck!
Posted by: swmama | May 21, 2009 at 08:10 AM
I second Capitol Hill. Weekends are great. You won't be alone.
Posted by: SWMama | May 21, 2009 at 01:33 PM
thank you, thank you. these are great. and so sweet to hear mamas talk about teaching their kids to ride in the same spot they learned. nice.
Posted by: leah | May 21, 2009 at 08:42 PM
West Hills Christian School on Capitol Hill Rd has a great track for learning to ride. There's a nice grassy area in the center for kite flying, picnics, etc. and a play structure too.
Posted by: Jennifer Samsom | May 24, 2009 at 03:08 PM
The Springwater!
Posted by: Hanna | May 26, 2009 at 08:39 PM
On second thought, maybe not the Springwater.
Posted by: Hanna | May 26, 2009 at 08:42 PM
tryon creek, willamette park, springwater trail.
Posted by: Marina | May 27, 2009 at 02:02 PM