Sunday Parkways: Let's ride! (or walk! or hoop!)
Yesterday, our family participated in the first Portland Sunday Parkways event we could fit in this summer, and it was awesome. Glorious sunny day. So many families out biking, running, roller skating, strolling babies, skate-boarding, or just plain old walking.
We've always used the occasion to bike ride, as it gives our young riders a chance to safely practice their still developing riding skills. There weren't that many sudden stops that nearly caused a pile-up among the riders behind us. But I sure did witness and experience a few of those and even caught myself blurting: 'Hey kid! You can't just stop in the middle of the road!' Learning experiences, with no blood lost. Yet, I need to remember that wheels are not required. It'd be just as fun to show up in some running or walking shoes, and take Sunday Parkways at a slower pace.
For the kids, the music and playgrounds and park activities are probably the best part. Not to mention the VooDoo donuts.
Me? I just like riding along, feeling the wind on my arms. Checking out electric bikes up close. Seeing different neighborhoods of our great city with little gardens everywhere. Being a part of the community of family friendly Portland bike culture. Observing all the bike boulevard and bike lane improvements that happen in a year's time. Seeing the friendly smiling faces of the Portland police as they manage the dicier intersections, and getting the chance to thank them and the countless volunteers who make these events possible.
There's three more Sunday Parkways coming this summer. If you can, put on your really flattering bike shorts (ha, ha!) and ride! Or walk, or hoop or what-have-you. Just get outside. Good times!
We've always used the occasion to bike ride, as it gives our young riders a chance to safely practice their still developing riding skills. There weren't that many sudden stops that nearly caused a pile-up among the riders behind us. But I sure did witness and experience a few of those and even caught myself blurting: 'Hey kid! You can't just stop in the middle of the road!' Learning experiences, with no blood lost. Yet, I need to remember that wheels are not required. It'd be just as fun to show up in some running or walking shoes, and take Sunday Parkways at a slower pace.
For the kids, the music and playgrounds and park activities are probably the best part. Not to mention the VooDoo donuts.
Me? I just like riding along, feeling the wind on my arms. Checking out electric bikes up close. Seeing different neighborhoods of our great city with little gardens everywhere. Being a part of the community of family friendly Portland bike culture. Observing all the bike boulevard and bike lane improvements that happen in a year's time. Seeing the friendly smiling faces of the Portland police as they manage the dicier intersections, and getting the chance to thank them and the countless volunteers who make these events possible.
There's three more Sunday Parkways coming this summer. If you can, put on your really flattering bike shorts (ha, ha!) and ride! Or walk, or hoop or what-have-you. Just get outside. Good times!
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