PORTLAND, Ore. - As a mom, I’d dress my little bikers in bubble wrap if I could. Then I’d sew a row of bells down each limb.

Oh sure, they'd be the laughingstock of the neighborhood but at least I’d know where they were and their falls would be cushioned.

I don’t want much - just a guaranteed protection plan for my kids.

But since that isn't possible, I try to keep the bumps and scrapes to a minimum and the safety at a maximum.

Beyond the bike being the right size and the helmet the right fit, my kids need a place to ride.

Wearing a path in the sidewalk is one option but here are some tips for finding some others.

What to Look For

When scoping out somewhere for my kids to bike, I look for a place that has:

A Smooth Ride

• Level sidewalks keep my bikers upright, and a flat terrain keeps them motivated. Having an interesting path is icing on the cake.

Good Visibility

• To keep track of the kids once they ride on their own, the best spots are where I can still watch them from a distance. Look for places that are not too crowded by trees, cars, buildings, or people.

Restroom Facilities

• No outing with kids is complete until they've "got to go potty, now." So restroom access is a must.

A Soft "Fall Zone"

• Especially in the learning years, my kids spend just as much time falling off their bikes as they do riding them. So I look for paths that are surrounded by grass versus areas sprinkled with gravel or bordered by spiky shrubs. But regardless of how cushiony soft the path is, I always keep a supply of wipes and bandages in my bag. Scrapes happen.

Something For Everyone

• I look for places for me to sit, particularly in the shade. During my more energetic moments, I bike or walk myself. And since I have other children to entertain, I scope out locations with playgrounds or open spaces for them to run.

Keeping these tips in mind, where are some good places for kids to ride?

Parks

• The City of Portland has several parks with paved paths and some with designated bike trails.
• Parks with an athletic track (like Grant Park) provide a great place for learning (and eventually racing).
• The park at Mount Scott has an interweaving sidewalk pattern plus a playground and benches right in the middle of all that.

Schools

• During the off-season, college campuses and schools have interesting pathways for kids to ride. Reed College is not only beautiful, but wide open and quiet during the summer months.

Other Spots

• Rails to Trails is another network to check out. The Springwater on the Willamette is a well-paved, scenic track that provides a nice challenge for bicyclists in the whole family. It’s also a great place for bicyclists to learn the "rules of the road," as there is other bike and foot traffic to ride alongside.

Bicycling is an enjoyable activity, especially when choosing a safe place to ride. Where are your favorite family-friendly places to ride?

In her day job, Lisa Smith attempts to transform her three children from super-charged emotion-bombs into contributing members of society. And in her "free time," roughly 11:00-11:30 p.m., she saves the world (i.e. “writes”) via her website at www.stretchmarkmama.com.

Lisa's husband, Nathan Smith, is the photographer who provided the photos for this story.  You can find out more about his work at www.crossmarkdesign.com.