LexRides

willard · training wheels Joined: 30 Oct 2007 Posts: 42

In general, I embrace the idea of involving children in cycling from an early age. However, I recently witnessed an action that threatens to change my attitude.

As I was riding down Euclid a few days ago, I saw a cyclist traveling the opposite direction on a brakeless fixed gear pulling a Burley trailer with a kid inside. I didn't recognize the rider and was running late to a meeting, so that's why I decided to make a post on the site about it.

So if you think this may be a post about you, I am begging you to put at least one mechanical brake on the bike if you are hauling a child. In case the rider hasn't discovered the lexrides site and any of you know them could you please forward the message....

I don’t want this post to turn into the old brakes vs. brakeless debate, I am just worried about the safety of some mysterious child.

stringa · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 11:46 am Post subject:

I would say, "survival of the fittest," but it seems like this dude has already peed in the gene pool.
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ridin' a heavy bike makes you faster

knuckles · Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 1:27 am Post subject: fixie with a kid in tow

I am still a newb, and think of myself as being in the "shut up and read" phase of my involvement with this forum, however, I am a pretty good dad, so I speak.
IMHO, there are more ways to compensate for the added weight, and added risk, of dragging your kid around in a bicycle trailer than a mechanical brake. In fact, I would put my money on the safe arrival of a parent transporting their own child by ANY means, over the safe arrival of someone traveling alone.
As parents, we have an instinctive (not always effective) desire to protect our children. As parents,we are also driven to enrich our children's lives in such a way that promotes growth, and guides our children to be healthy adults (great men and women, if we are lucky). I would not drag my son around behind a fixie with no brake, but I would not presume to judge the decision of another father who did.
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The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.
Nietzsche

miss ability · training wheels Joined: 25 Nov 2008 Posts: 23

i am certain i know exactly who you are writing about. a father of a boy that attends preschool with my son rides fixed with a burley trailer and i have seen them on euclid. He DOES have a front brake. I have discussed this with him about it and he says he uses the brake frequently with the trailer. he said it was very necessary with the added back weight of the trailer.

miss ability · training wheels Joined: 25 Nov 2008 Posts: 23

pissed in the gene pool?

way to make a strong statement about someone you dont even know, based on a single statement on a forum.

easy, tiger.

knuckles · Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 8:32 pm Post subject: you know what?

I have to admit, I am relieved.
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The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.
Nietzsche

caine1975 · hipster Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 51 Location: lex-vegas

2nd the relieved...having a kid in a burley with brakes is interestin enough, no brakes= not very bright, especially with the 'i didnt see u' drivers out there.
how and why folks get there kids around on their trailer hitched rides is fine by me but dont go 'kool' and then get yer kid smacked around for it...
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'chicks caint hold dey smoke!'