Posts
The last time we talked about 101 reasons to love cycling in London, it was all about poo. So we're washing our mouths out before we press on with reason number 31, because it's all about Mums, and, well, we don't talk like that in front of our mothers, do we?
I was deep in discussion with an architect friend recently about the perils and pitfalls of suburbia and he made a very interesting remark;
"Pity the poor Soccer Mom - she is the ultimate victim of bad design. Because in suburbia the spaces between A and B are so wide, and the roads between each are so big and fast and full of motorcars, there's no way she'll let her children ride a bike. Thus, in order to preserve her offspring she is chained to Mum's taxi in order to give her kids the wholesome suburban life she had always dreamed of for them. Soccer practice, ballet class, after-school club, even play dates at other houses - all must be done by car, with the kids in the back, as the roads grow ever busier, her personal time ever smaller, and all their waist lines wider."
It's not something I'd thought of before, and it made me feel hipster-smug for living in the city, but for thousands of ordinary Brits who want a better future for their kids, this is the actual day-to-day reality of living in a world where letting your kids loose in the street is a no-no.
But when conditions are appropriate, and kids are able to lead independent lives making their own way to school, to soccer, to go hang out with friends on their bikes down by the river, not only do you liberate the kids, you liberate Mum, too. And let's face it, they're worth it.
Giving Mum a break? It's reason 31 of 101 to love cycling in London!
Share |
I was deep in discussion with an architect friend recently about the perils and pitfalls of suburbia and he made a very interesting remark;
"Pity the poor Soccer Mom - she is the ultimate victim of bad design. Because in suburbia the spaces between A and B are so wide, and the roads between each are so big and fast and full of motorcars, there's no way she'll let her children ride a bike. Thus, in order to preserve her offspring she is chained to Mum's taxi in order to give her kids the wholesome suburban life she had always dreamed of for them. Soccer practice, ballet class, after-school club, even play dates at other houses - all must be done by car, with the kids in the back, as the roads grow ever busier, her personal time ever smaller, and all their waist lines wider."
Start 'em young.
It's not something I'd thought of before, and it made me feel hipster-smug for living in the city, but for thousands of ordinary Brits who want a better future for their kids, this is the actual day-to-day reality of living in a world where letting your kids loose in the street is a no-no.
But when conditions are appropriate, and kids are able to lead independent lives making their own way to school, to soccer, to go hang out with friends on their bikes down by the river, not only do you liberate the kids, you liberate Mum, too. And let's face it, they're worth it.
Giving Mum a break? It's reason 31 of 101 to love cycling in London!
Share |
