[ced]

Are there bike paths, or does he ride on the road alongside cars?

[Zigurd]

No bike paths, just rural roads. Generally without any center line, even. We gave our kids mobile phones early on so they could stay in touch while being independent. It is common for kids in town to go fishing or sailing small boats on their own on a large pond in town. Lots of autonomy.

[ced]

Were there lots of other children doing the same? Living in eastern Canada I've never really seen what you're describing.