If your child is keen to learn to ride their bike independently, we recommend a step-by-step approach which will help you to encourage them to develop their confidence and control.
Before getting going, it’s useful to check the size and fit of your child’s bike.
Bikes generally fall into age categories, but it's useful to check your child can reach the brakes (and gears) comfortably.
Tempting though it might be to find a bike your child can ‘grow into’, this might prove difficult for them to master!
Helmets are recommended for young children and a bell might also be a useful safety feature.
Find a safe quiet place to practice – perhaps a level path in a local park, or a wider pavement. If you choose a pavement, remember to check for cars coming out of driveways.
Our five-step approach:
- Start with balance and steering (before pedaling). Remove the pedals from your child’s bike and lower the seat a little, if necessary, so they can place their feet comfortably on the ground.
- Encourage your child to use their feet to scoot along independently, perhaps raising both feet off the ground. This will let them get a feel for the steering and balance in a playful way.
- Return one pedal, either left or right, and encourage more scooting with one foot on a pedal and the other foot pushing along.
- Put both pedals back on and encourage your child to have a first go at pedaling. Hold onto your child (not the bike) by holding their back or shoulders/upper arm and move along with them before letting them go a short distance alone. Celebrate how far they have travelled, perhaps by counting your steps to catch up with them.
- Keep practising, gradually removing your contact and encouraging your child to keep going for a longer distance.
For more information:
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/get-active/2019/everyday-walking-and-cycling/teach-your-child-to-ride-a-bike-without-stabilisers-in-nine-steps/