3 June is World Bicycle Day. It is a time to take to urban bike paths to beat big city traffic jams or to country trails to enjoy fresh air and scenery. Some may enjoy competing in a bike race; others may appreciate a custom or vintage bicycle show. Bicycling is fun, it’s economical, and it’s healthy. It’s an ecological pastime the whole family can enjoy. And if we pay attention, riding a bicycle can provide some lessons for everyday life.

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It was back in the days I can barely remember remembering. Daddy decided it was time to take the training wheels off my bicycle.

“Oh, Dan, be careful,” Mom advised.

Daddy balanced the bike and trotted along, pushing me.

“Pedal,” Daddy said, “Pedal.”

I did. And I kept glancing back to see his smile of approval.

“You’re doing it!” he said.

And I looked back one more time to see him standing 10 feet… 15 feet… 20 feet behind me, smiling and waving.

I panicked. I forgot to pedal, forgot how to stop. I forgot I knew how to steer.

Somehow, I must have figured crashing into the bushes would be less painful than hitting the pavement. I got a little scratched up by the shrubs. My tears were more from fear than from pain.

Daddy got a tongue-lashing from Mom.

A day or two later, Daddy gave me more guidance: how to brake, how to keep balance.

These are two important lessons in life:

Know when to slow down.

Always strive for balance.

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Image courtesy of Yan Krukau.