Here in the Netherlands, having a Fatbike is a huge trend, especially among the youth. For those who don’t know what a fat bike is: a fat bike is an electric bike that can be recognized by its wide tires and robust frame. These bikes can go up to 25 km/h.
My husband Kevin and I are not big fans of Fatbikes and would rather not see our kids riding them. It seems inevitable that riding a Fatbike is like riding an unguided projectile. In other words, the average person riding a Fatbike rides as if he or she has never heard of the rules of traffic and ignores all of them.
Another reason why we are not such big fans of Fatbikes for kids is simply that Fatbikes are very similar to scooters. In the Netherlands, you are only allowed to ride a scooter if you are 16 or older and have a scooter license. Fat bikes are in a legal gray area, which is why it is still possible for the youth to ride them.
Kevin and I believe that young people are not able to fully comprehend all the dangers and responsibilities associated with a motorized vehicle.
Our eldest son Noah started a new school this year, which means he has to cycle quite a distance to get there. So, a Fatbike was on his birthday wish list.
At first, Kevin and I said no, based on the reasons mentioned above.
After a while, we felt a little guilty about denying Noah a Fatbike and started looking into them.
My mother also liked the idea and offered to finance part of the Fatbike.
No sooner said than done, we test rode several models and gathered information about all the options.
What I should have mentioned is that at the beginning of this process, I received a firm “no” from the Holy Spirit. The firm “no” meant that Kevin and I should not buy a Fatbike for Noah. But as I already mentioned, guilt played a role, which caused us to change our minds.
At one point, Kevin and I decided on a Fatbike, but after two or three weeks, we still couldn’t bring ourselves to buy it. Somehow, something always came up, either the internet wasn’t working or the bikes weren’t available.
Until one evening, independently of each other, we both received a reminder from the Holy Spirit that we should not buy a fat bike.
We then made the decision that we would not do so.
Noah was very disappointed that he didn’t get a Fatbike, but at the same time he also said he was a little relieved. The Holy Spirit had also touched his heart and shown him that the Fatbike wasn’t for him.
Fortunately, Noah isn’t a child who cares about fitting in or what others think of him, which makes it easier for him not to follow trends.
It is often difficult for young people when they cannot follow a trend, as peer pressure is so strong these days.
But for us, the Holy Spirit is our guide. He guides us in everything we need guidance in. If He indicates that a Fatbike is not for us, then He knows something that you and I do not (yet) know, and I am happy to follow His instruction.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5
Love,
Alicia
