Kids Aren’t Riding Bikes Anymore—We Should Change That

Remember those Spielberg‑style scenes from childhood—groups of kids careening down sidewalks, bell‑ringing, with scraped knees and laughing faces? According to recent data, that’s fading fast. In the 1990s, about 20.5 million American kids biked regularly. Fast forward to 2023: that number has nearly halved to 10.9 million, and fewer than five percent ride often.

This isn’t just nostalgic—it signals something deeper lost. Yet, there’s hope, and compelling reasons to get kids back on two wheels. Let’s dig in.

Why Bike Riding Matters—Beyond the Fun Factor

At first glance, bikes are just fun. But the perks run far deeper. First, riding builds independence. No parent‑chauffeured ride needed; kids pick their route, pace, and companions. That autonomy helps them learn decision‑making and spatial mapping of their neighborhood, boosting focus and confidence.

Physically, biking is a whole‑body workout. It improves coordination, balance, and cardiovascular health. It’s a game‑changer for busy families, too—biking is affordable, low‑impact, and gives kids core strength and resilience they carry into adulthood.

Socially it matters, too. Neighborhoods with riding kids often feel closer. Parents chatting on street corners, kids making impromptu games—you know, the stuff that builds real community. When biking disappears, so does a layer of neighborhood connection.

Why are kids staying inside? Traffic is a big reason. Faster cars, wider SUVs, and packed roads make parents wary of letting kids go solo. And suburban streets aren’t so friendly: a lack of sidewalks, few bike lanes, and heavy car traffic make a quick ride feel like a calculated risk.

There’s also a suspicion that screens have replaced play. But kids themselves say they want to bike—they’re just scared of how dangerous their streets feel.

So blame isn’t on phones—it’s on sidewalks designed for cars over people.

More Perks for Parents—and Planet

Let’s not overlook the parental benefits. Fewer short drives means less time being chauffeur and more time being… well… you. Biking to school or the local park chips away at morning mayhem and eliminates the daily “Mom, can you drive me?” chorus.

Biking also gives parents a break, boosts mood, and reduces stress. Outdoor time—even walking alongside a bike—recharges energy. And neighborhoods where kids roam free feel safer and friendlier for everyone.

Plus, every ride cuts carbon emissions: a small civic victory for planet-loving families.

What Parents Can Do Today

Roads may be dangerous today, but there’s still room for safe action.

Start small. Find a quiet dead‑end street or parking lot and let your kid practice. Teach them to look, shoulder‑check, signal, and ride confidently. Before you know it, they’ll be cruising for real.

Make bikes part of the routine. Try weekend rides or biking to a nearby café. If there’s a school within biking distance, try “bike bus” groups with other families. A little peer power goes a long way.

Advocate for change. Support lower speed limits near schools, push for bike lanes, and promote car-free zones at pick-up times. When parents speak up, cities listen. A little paint and a buffer can mean big shifts toward safe riding.

Finally, share with your children why you’re riding. It’s not just exercise—it’s independence, mental clarity, and community. That’s powerful stuff at any age.

The Road Ahead

Here’s the good news: biking isn’t gone forever. A 2024 report shows that 56 percent of kids aged 3–17 rode a bike at least once—up from 49%—marking the first increase in youth ridership since 2018. That rebound gives hope that with better infrastructure and confident parenting, riding can make a comeback.

Getting kids on bikes is about reclaiming a childhood full of independent play, happier families, and neighborhoods with soul. Plus, seeing your kid pedal away with the wind in their face? That’s joy you can’t put a price on.

Takeaway: Bikes aren’t relics—they’re tools for confident, connected childhoods. And the decline isn’t kids being lazy, it’s our roads being risky. But every ride counts. Whether you start with five laps or a longer family tour, you’re building health, independence, and bond. More bikes in the driveway means more smiles, more freedom, and a neighborhood you might just remember again.

So let’s dust off those helmets and get rolling.