Would you let your 17 yo?

Question

OK, i am homeschooled. But i dual enroll at a community college (have been since the 10th grade). this summer i have finished up ALL of my high school credits, so i will be spending my sr. year taking on a full load at the college. we live 25 minutes away from the college, and in the past my parents/sister have driven me. but my dad's insurance buisness is 5 miles away and there is a bike trail that starts near his office and goes all the way to the school. my idea this year is to go to work with my dad, and then ride my bike to classes (5 miles there, 5 miles back, 5 days a week), as way to maybe lose some weight, and be by myself, etc. to think. you know. so yesterday my parents and i did a test ride to see if i could make it that far with my backpack on, and i can. made it there and back just fine. but my dad is worried that part of the trail is like on a nature path and its wooded, and part of its next to the road. he's fine with the road, but he's thinking if someone noticed that i was riding down the trail, every day at a certain time, someone who wanted to hurt me could just catch me off guard, etc. and he doesn't want me to be the next person on the news who was abducted, raped, and killed while on some kind of trail through trees, etc.

and i can see his point of view, and i want to take the necessary precautions (i mentioned carrying around a taser, pepper spray, etc.), but i really want to ride my bike. i'm not allowed to drive until i'm 18 because insurance is too much, so my bike is how i get around at home. if i was ur kid would u let me do this? why or why not? how can i convince my dad that i'll be careful and safe?

Answer 1

Since you have technically graduated can you enroll in a minor college that has dorms on site? Then you could continue your education safely. Just an idea...

I do agree with your dad though. Sadly this world is just not safe.

Answer 2

it sucks but in todays world its really not safe. i cant tell u how many times i ve heard on the news of a teenage girl getting raped and killed while walking alone. im only 20 and dont have parents to tell me what to do and i still wouldnt ride my bike that far by myself (in a wooded area) just stick it out for another year unitl u drive. u will live.

Answer 3

Well.. first off, your insurance cost won't be that much cheaper if you haven't been driving. If you're a new driver, it's always going to be expensive no matter what because you are a 'risk'.

I would say it's fine if you take the necessary precautions as mentioned (pepper spray, etc.) The stuff on the news is blown way out of proportion and doesn't happen as often as it seems. If it isn't a very nice neighborhood, I would have second thoughts.

Tell your dad that you could get abducted going outside to get the mail or going to the mall with your friends. You take risks everyday and this is no different. You can call him when you leave and when you get to school/home everyday until he feels more comfortable.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

If you were my kid I'd make you carry a little gun in your pocket, but pepper spray and a taser would do just fine. If you do decide to go down that trail, you make sure you are paying attention to everything around you. That means no day dreaming, no music, and no talking on the phone. You also need to probably get some self defense training before you started riding (wouldn't hurt), just to make sure that if your weapons don't work, you can still defend yourself.

Answer 5

How much further is it to go by the road instead of the trail?  If it's not too much farther maybe do that.  I really can see his point.