Quite often I am asked what made us decide to open a bike shop in Rockwall.  It was many things really, and here is one:

My kids attend Pullen Elementary here in Rockwall/Heath, and we try to go to school by bike as often as we can.  There is a very nice paved bike/walking path from a nearby neighborhood to the school, which provides a safe route for us.  (Thanks to the City of Heath and RISD's great work in applying for a federal grant, there will soon be other bike paths from Heath neighborhoods to schools!  More info here:  Paths.)  

Usually on Fridays, we bike to and from school.  Not only are we outdoors together enjoying our bikes, we are making memories.  The desire to enable others to have similar experiences was a major motivator for bringing a bike shop to Rockwall. 

As it turns out, others noticed us biking to school and began biking with their kids to school.  In the course of conversations with the other parents, I noticed everyone of them said the same thing—the time they spent riding bikes to school with their kids was one of the best experiences they have during the entire week with their kids.  And it appears to be mutual as well, as each dad told me their kids look forward to bike-to-school-Fridays all week long!

So why do we ride our bikes?  For some, hopefully more soon, being able to bike to school with mom or dad is a memory-maker and new family tradition.  And as a bonus, this fun time with dad or mom has other benefits including exercise and saving gas and even time by avoiding the carpool lane!  

Whether you and your kids ride a bike you bought from Rockwall Cycling or somewhere else, let me encourage you to find a way to bike with your kids.  And when you do, please let us know how it impacts you and your kids!  Remember, follow the rules of the road and make sure your kids wear their helmets. 

Our best,

Rockwall Cycling