My grandsons, ages eleven and eight, live on a steep piece of property above a busy country road. At an age where bike riding can grant new feelings of independence and freedom, they are resigned to riding only when they come to my house, which is in a small but flat neighborhood near the sea. The older boy rides an old beach cruiser that somehow appeared years ago, most likely left by one of their father’s friends back in the day, while the eight-year-old has a used Specialized Standard with foot brakes.

Recently, we expanded our horizons and pedaled along East Cliff Drive on our way to the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, where their father is the Harbormaster. The joy on their faces as we glided down the hill at Schwan Lake gave me incalculable pleasure. The moment brought back memories of when I used to ride my bike through the streets of Capitola. The rush of the wind, the wetness it brings to your eyes, the vistas that fly by, and the feeling of pure speed—they all heighten and excite the senses.

The speed thing, though, can be a dangerous pursuit. Pedaling fast or riding the forces of gravity need to be undertaken cautiously, but throttle-induced speeds add a higher-than-normal risk to bike riding. I routinely see tweens and teens racing at over twenty miles an hour on roads, bike lanes, and even sidewalks, never peddling. Sometimes an unhelmeted passenger is seated behind them.

The lure of E-bikes is enormous. A twentieth of the price of a first used car, no added insurance costs, no constant drop-offs and pickups—it’s why parents buy them for their kids. E-bike corrals at middle and high schools contain a sea of contraptions, all equipped with throttle assists. My oldest grandson already has friends who operate E-bikes.

My son and daughter-in-law will have to decide whether to buy one for my grandson. At the very least, I would hope that a safety class becomes available to these young riders. Perhaps a certification might be required.

Also, I hope that our county works to build and improve more bike lanes. I’m encouraged that a bike and pedestrian trail has been approved for our unused rail corridor. Such a dedicated thoroughfare would run from Davenport all the way to Watsonville, offering active transportation, safety, and convenience to thousands of walkers, runners, and bikers. The sooner they build such a trail, the better. Maybe in a few years I’ll be riding with my younger grandchildren on such a wonderful parkway.