I was honoured to participate in the latest @BikeMinds online presentation, Kids + Bikes! I shared how my family of five made the transition from the SUV lifestyle to cycling all over Toronto, saving time, money, stress, and about 7,000kg of CO2 emissions in the process.

If you missed the live show, check out the recording, with @McCueChris and Emily’s 200km bike trip through France; Celine’s nomad family, citizens of the world and travellers by bike; and @Cecile_Lecoq's son’s transition to riding independently.

I also distilled my story into a 10-step process to help other folks who are interested in driving less and biking more! I proudly present:

How to Learn to Stop Driving and Love Your Bike
(a guide for children of all ages)

Step 1: pick some nearby, fun destinations to introduce the idea. Ride to the playground, a book store, your favourite bakery for a treat. Go early in the day, when everyone has lots of energy, and let the kids set the pace.

If you have a bike trailer, bring it! Someone may need a lift on the way home. If not, hook up some panniers or wear a backpack to bring snacks and carry home any treasures you discover.

Step 2: practice safety strategies. The kids can imagine that they are spies or superheroes whole secret power is to be invisible. Pretend the drivers can’t see you, and you need to stay where the cars can’t get you!

Parents can practice scanning for traffic while shepherding the kids safely. See which style of group riding you like - for us, kids in front & parent bringing up the rear feels best. Other families might prefer to have kids next to the curb or on the sidewalk, parent alongside.

Step 3: think about the rides you make most often - your commute, school drop-off, sports and other after-school activities. Can you try switching one or more to a bike trip? Maybe once in a while to start, or even once a week.

Step 4: practice on the weekend. Sunday mornings are usually the quietest time. Try out different routes - try to avoid arterials by choosing parallel streets, unless the big road has a protected bike lane, of course! Or go a longer way if it means you can use a park or path.

Step 5: time to try it out for real. Leave extra-early the first few times, and don’t hesitate to sweeten the deal with a little treat or the promise of a special stop on the way home.

Step 6: make it a habit. Choose cycling more and more often, and start adding in different kinds of trips. Talk with them about why you’re doing this - my kids are proud that we don’t pollute on our commute, and they love the independence of getting around on their own.

Step 7: make it easier. Next time you shop for your kids, buy the lightest bike your budget allows. Little bodies have to work harder, and kids’ bikes can be really heavy! @frogbikes, @likeabike, @spawncycles, @woombikes, and @islabikes make excellent lightweight kids' options.

Then, add some goodies like a bell, a handlebar bag or back rack, and a water bottle cage of course - we’re going to work up a thirst! Hi-viz clothing is optional but may be fun and help you be seen.

Step 8: consider what trips you still make by car. How could you convert them to bike trips? Maybe go multi-modal and utilize transit for part of the distance. Can you find a closer alternative? We found a dentist we like only 1km away from our house, saving an hour’s round trip.

Step 9: upgrade your ride. To swap those stubborn last few car trips a week, try an electric cargo bike. Sturdy frames, battery assistance, and carrying options including wooden boxes, front flatbeds, and extended tails - e-cargo bikes carry more while going farther & faster.

Step 10: spread the word! Cargo bikes are still an unusual sight in most of the world, so I hope you’re not shy. Heads will turn as you ride by, so be ready for curious questions whenever you stop.