Join the Latino Outdoors community anywhere and anytime between August 17-30 on a socially distanced bike ride. Go solo, with family, or with other members of your household. Afterwards, be sure to tell us about your experience for a chance to win a prize!
Vamos Outdoors #TogetherApart!
#TogetherApart is a campaign that allows us to engage in community-oriented programming while our outings program is paused. Bring the whole family on this bike ride at a time and place that works best for you.
How To Participate
- Register to participate.
- Complete the activity.
- Tell us about your experience. You could win could prizes!
- Vamos Outdoors again! The next activity is coming soon!
Know before you go: Please wear a helmet and choose a route that will keep you and your family away from heavy intersections. The goal of the ride is to make is a fun, enjoyable experience that will inspire you and your family to do it again.
REI: How to Bike Ride as a Family
Tips for the Trail
Keep instructions brief: Kids learn better by doing rather than listening. Keep instructions short and to the point so they can get on the bike and learn through experience.
Review basic skills: If your child is still a bit uncomfortable on a bike, start out practicing braking slowly. Eventually move into using hand signals (see below) and passing other riders on the trail.
Illustration courtesy of the city of Portland, Ore.
Use powers of observation: Tell kids to use their eyes and ears to “stop, look, and listen” to avoid potential hazards such as cars, potholes, curbs and broken glass. Also help hone their powers of observation by pointing out interesting sites along the way like animals, road signs, creeks and trees. (At Latino Outdoors, we like to transform neighborhood rides into world tours. Kids love it!)
Enjoy a treat: Include a special treat on the ride, either by stopping for something yummy or bringing something they don’t usually get to have (consider healthy motivators like a novel fruit leather or a chocolate-y granola bar).
Tune into your child’s cues: Tune in to what your child might be needing throughout the ride. If they’re lagging behind, complaining or looking hot, it’s probably time for a break. If they’re keeping right up and looking content, ask if they want to go further, add more challenge, or keep the ride as is.
Be positive: Model a great attitude; your enthusiasm is contagious. Offer kids lots of specific praise for their effort, e.g., “You’re pedaling really smoothly,” or “I like how safely you’re riding” or “It’s fun riding with you!”
Traffic Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children less than 10 years old do not yet have the maturity to make decisions necessary to ride safely in the street, and are better off riding on the sidewalk. (But, first, check if sidewalk riding is legal in your town.)If you feel that your older child is ready to ride in the street, follow these tips:
- Bikes are vehicles: A bicycle is considered a vehicle, and you and your child are both expected to obey the same traffic laws, signs and signals that apply to cars and drivers.
- Be alert: When crossing the street or turning, always look both ways and make eye contact with drivers to make sure they have seen you. Watch out for doors opening from parked cars.
- Be visible: Wear bright colors, make sure you have both front and rear reflectors, and mount a bell or horn to be heard in traffic.
- Ride with the flow of traffic: Always ride in the same direction as traffic, not against it, and ride in single file.
- Familiarize your child with rules of the road: Rules of the road include such things as using arm signals, how to position your bike in the road when turning right or left, obeying traffic lights and signs, dismounting when crossing in crosswalks, letting pedestrians know when you’re passing and slowing down at intersections and railroad crossings to ensure it’s safe to cross.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RECREATING RESPONSIBLY:
Please follow the #RecreateResponsibly guidelines for getting outside safely and enjoyably during COVID-19. #RecreateResponsibly is a coalition that includes REI, other recreation businesses, non-profits, and agencies.
Three steps to take at home:
- Know Before You Go: Check the status of the place you want to visit. If it is closed, don’t go. If it’s crowded, have a back up plan. (Read our Guide to Understanding Public Lands to figure out which agency manages certain lands).
- Plan Ahead: Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack lunch and bring essentials like hand sanitizer and a face covering.
- Explore Locally: Limit long-distance travel and make use of local parks, trails, and public spaces. Be mindful of your impact on the communities you visit.
And four steps once outside:Practice Physical Distancing: Adventure only with your immediate household. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth and give others space. If you are sick, stay home.
- Play It Safe: Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury. Search and rescue operations and health care resources are both strained.
- Leave No Trace: Respect public lands and waters, as well as Native and local communities. Take all your garbage with you.
- Build an Inclusive Outdoors: Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
Please contact rubyjean@latinooutdoors.org with any questions.