The pictures were taken more than a year ago. Numerous parked bikes in one area, are a common sight all of the country, but the little bikes make for a sight that gives you something to smile about. There is no doubt about which bike belongs to a girl. There are several little bikes parked outside the school that is about five minutes walk from my place.
When I asked a friend if children this young are allowed to bike to school, she told me that usually parents are either walking or biking alongside. There are no school buses and children are dropped off and picked up by the parents. Bike use is very common in Europe and children are initiated into it quite early. Low crime rate, safe neighbourhoods, and bike friendly roads make it all possible. It creates a culture that is children friendly, family friendly, community friendly---in short culture friendly.
This is so true! Here, in the US, many parents drive their children to the park so that the kids can ride bikes safely. Even as an adult I would not feel comfortable riding around he neighborhood. It's very dangerous for those going by bike and foot in my neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. Yes, I think it is important to see neighborhoods an organism. For it to be 'alive in the real sense', It is important for it connect with itself--Several scholars have looked at 'squares' that way. One of my colleague at a recent visit to the US said, he is always surprised that there are no 'squares' in the US. Squares, or Torget as they are called in Sweden, are large spaces, in the center of the town. Often used for large gatherings, anything from meetings to concerts to rallies. These are public spaces for people to connect without being forced into commercial interaction. While most of the Torgets here are surrounded by shops, the large space in the center allows space for 'public interaction.'. Very important in a democracy. Another thing by which democracy should be judged is, 'how safe do people feel' in a country. !!
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