When catching up with a friend, we learned that her fourth-grade daughter just passed a consequential test in school. After hard study of a manual and passing both theoretical and practical tests, she received a license to ride her bicycle on the streets alone (see picture, below). There is even a practice training area with lanes marked in the park I walk along almost daily here in Linz. Bicycles are everywhere here, so it makes absolute sense. You probably should have a license to ride. I was impressed by the depth of information and pictures of signaling, car lanes, and bike safety in the manual and slightly unsure that our driver's licenses are quite so thorough. More than that, I was struck by how proud Sarah was of her license. You see, a bike license to be in the city on her own signifies a bit more freedom and being a bit more grown up. It is something every fourth grader here takes seriously and a matter of pride for kids and parents alike.
 |
| Congratulations, Sarah! |
It got me thinking about rites of passage in different places. What were key moments when I was a kid in elementary school? Certainly some of those had to be the first unchaperoned times - riding bike to the library? going to the cinema without parents? getting ears pierced? What are those moments for kids nowadays? I would be curious to know (probably a good research project with my niece and nephews!).
No comments:
Post a Comment