Teaching kids to ride a bike - The Simplified Version

Isn’t it exciting to finally see your little one ridding on his or her bike? Am sure we’ve all waited for that moment when we can spend time with them either by riding on our bikes and going places and to also teach them some of the bike riding skills that was taught to us by our parents. It’s like a generational thing, passing the torch to the next.

Studies have shown that a child is ready to start learning how to ride a bike from as early as the age of 4-6. It is preferred that they start learning earlier before 6 because that’s when they’re more free-spirited and aren’t afraid of pain. The moment they start growing older, they become more aware of their surroundings and environment, making learning a little scary and challenging. Most people think its only right to wait until your child has fully developed his balance and coordination. Riding a bike requires strength, balance, and stamina, well that’s definitely true, but it isn’t necessarily the only key before a child enjoys and learn to ride a bike successfully. 

First and foremost, every child is uniquely different, and are liable to achieve milestones at a different pace. Learning how to ride a bike on training wheels itself is a milestone on its own. Riding a bike is a great form of exercise for kids, not to mention the fun they’re going to have. Children usually learn to ride a bike between the ages of 4 and 6, with a few around 8. If they’re not ready, it’s usually pretty obvious right away and they won’t get the hang of moving the pedals in circles quickly. But most times, an average of 5 year-olds are already expert bike riders. As a parent, don’t feel rushed into teaching your child how to ride a bike until you fully believe and are sure that your little one is ready to take it to that level. You need to trust and believe in that parental instinct. 

We’ve all heard of a situation where kids learn to ride their bikes on their first day of trying, and we are not disputing that because it is very possible, but we’ve always believed in the old fashioned ways where parents lean behind their kids to give them the support and balance they need while their kids are learning to ride a bike. We can’t forget the yelling and cheering all at the same time. While that was cute, there are now different techniques to which kids are being taught to ride their bikes effectively, and which are as follows;
 

• Using a balance bike instead of a bicycle with training wheels.
• Taking the pedals off a bike and lowering the seat, to have it act as a balance bike.
• Instead of yelling at your kid to stay balanced, tell them to turn in the direction that they are falling (countersteering), which should straighten them out.
• Raising the training wheels a little at a time.

Since learning to ride a bike is a process, it should be protected with safety training wheels. When you purchase your child’s first bike, it might probably come with a safety wheel in the packaging. The safety training is supposed to protect your child from falling and to give him or her the support and balance required until they successfully learn to ride. 

Training wheels help kids grow accustomed to sitting on a bike and using their legs to pedal. Choose a traffic-free area where a child can learn to ride safely. Find a place that is large, flat, smooth and paved. This location might be a driveway, park path,  or empty parking lot. Training wheels help gives a child the confidence of riding, but they won't help them learn to balance. Once you notice your child has mastered the art of pedaling and steering, it is time to get it removed and start learning to ride without the wheels. Sometimes some kids may take a bit longer to be emotionally ready to teeter along on a bike, and that’s okay as well. Don’t rush or force them, encourage them and continue training.

For every parent, this is the most fun and scary part, mostly because you are excited to see your baby finally peddling and riding a bike on their own, but at the same time, they can fall and sustain injuries. The first step to riding a bike with or without a safety wheel is to always have your safety gears on. Since you’ve practiced a lot with your child while the safety wheels were on, encourage him or her to focus, be free and not to get scared. Reassuring the child that you are right there with them. 

Training wheels help kids grow accustomed to sitting on a bike and using their legs to pedal, but they won't help them learn to balance.

This allows kids to sit upright with their legs straight and their feet flat on the ground. The goal is to help them feel more comfortable and steady as they begin learning balance.

The bicycle will roll more smoothly and your child will have an easier time coasting when bike tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Look for the recommended tire pressure printed on tire sidewalls.

Stay off busy roads when training without the training wheels, places like empty basketball or football field will be good. You can train at a less noisy street or backyard. Ensure the space is free from debris, stones, heap and too much sand that can hinder the effort of your child.

I know you are your child’s biggest cheerleader, please keep the rooting a little less noisy so that it doesn’t become distracting. Encourage your child to always keep his eyes on the road and the importance of road safety. Be strong and positive even if a child is learning at a slow pace. As long as he or she is learning the basics, then that’s all that matters.

Learning to ride a bike can take an afternoon, or even longer. calling it a day when your training session has stopped being fun, and trying again the next day is wise. If the process becomes really stressful, get someone else to come in as an assistant teacher, which often does the trick, or pay for your child to take lessons from a professional.

Teaching kids how to ride a bike is a fun bonding moment for both the parent and the child. You get to witness your little one milestones on the bike. You can start by taking baby steps by selecting bikes that are kid-friendly.

The training wheel is going to be the first stepping stool towards teaching your child how to peddle the bike pedals and learn how to ride. Even though balance and motoring skills are effective mechanisms towards starting any sports activity, biking also gives your child a form of exercise, moving those arms and legs can be beneficial towards growth and development. Sometimes the best place for a kid to derive motivation on learning to ride his bike is when surrounded and around kids who are riding their bikes training wheels free. It isn’t a competition, but seeing them do it, will inspire him to put more effort and ride perfectly as well.

Lastly, do some research and enquire for recommendations before spending a ton of money on a child’s bike, and what helps more is making sure you buy the right bike size. Don’t put them on a bike that’s too big in the hope they’ll grow into it.