United Nations of Mama Biking

Last week in Philadelphia your resident biking mom advocates (Marni and I), had the pleasure of hosting some really lovely mama bikers here in Philadelphia: Kidical Mass DC, Megan (with her eldest, KidA) and Back on My Bike, Suzanne (with her husband and son).

In the AM Megan and I biked down from my home in NW Philly, I had our three collective kids in the Urban Arrow and she rode the Civia Halsted (which I set up with a bracket for YEPP Maxi). After we got on the river trail, we switched bikes so Megan could have a chance to try out the UA. I got some time on the Halsted which was a blast, I really want to xtracyle that bike out, the last time I rode I fell off at 6 weeks post-partum with J.  We switched back at the end of the trail so I could move the bigger bike around the city as at the gazelle I am.

We finally running a bit late met up at the ever lovely Firth & Wilson to pick up rental bikes and kids seats for a day of adventure and bike infrastructure spotting around the city. Speaking of Gazelles Suzanne rented the Cabby and her husband a Brooklyn Cruiser, we rented a rear Yepp Maxi for the Halsted and off we went.

Our plan was F&W to the pop-up park at Spruce Street Harbor. We rode down the bike lane on Spring Garden, while Marni's oldest rode along on the side walk. Bike lanes next to parked cars are not ideal for children to ride in between the possibility of right hooks and car drivers' doors. We decided that the "stroad" bike lane on Delaware Ave was not good for families so we used the river route to the park. 

Although there is temporary bike parking at the park it is not suited for heavy or family bikes so we locked to ourselves and went about exploring the park, using the games, the seating, hammocks, wadding fountain and eating the okay-ish food. 

After the park, Marni parted ways with group and we made our way to the Spruce Street buffered bike lanes and off to the Academy of Natural Sciences. Suzanne, commented that the SS lane was one of the calmest city rides she had experienced, think if we actually separated out the track so cars couldn't park in them how even more nice it would be. At the museum the kids used the outside in facility on the third floor for a while and the adults chatted.

 

Finally we made our way around Logan Circle (green bike lane ALERT) up to 20th Street and down Spring Garden to F&W to return all the things. All three kids piled back in my bicycle and we rode back towards our home. Half way down the trail my husband in full commuting lycra met us! Also a triple bike nap was achieved. 

We ended our 22ish mile ride with Mexican that night! Fun I hope was had by all! Finally, check out the video of some of our ride and Suzanne's recap of riding in Philly!

United Nation s of Mama Biking Part Two from bikeMAMAdelphia on Vimeo.