• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
      • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus – Premium vs. Budget Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 830 vs 820: What’s the Difference?
    • Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer has the Longest Battery Life?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer is Best for Mountain Biking?
    • Are Garmin Edge Bike Computers Worth It?
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt: Which is Better?
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – a Good Choice for Cyclists?
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • 7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon in 2023
    • 7 of the Best Budget E-bikes under $1000 for 2023
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
      • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Edge 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • How to Choose the Best Cycling Balaclava
        • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
        • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets – Waterproof and Windproof
        • The Three Different Kinds of Cycling Jackets
        • Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket Review
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Windproof Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Jerseys
        • Two of the Best Women’s Cycling Jerseys: Pearl Izumi and Sugoi
      • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
      • Adidas Cycling Glasses – Review after Eight Years of Use
      • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – Is it a Good Choice for Cyclists?
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers
      • Review of the Two Wheel Gear Convertible Pannier/Backpack
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier for Bike Commuters – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • Complete Guide to Bike Lights
        • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
        • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
        • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting in 2023
        • Reelight Rl721 Bike Lights Review – Lights that are ALWAYS on
        • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
    • Bike Saddle Reviews
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for 2023
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • Zacro Gel Seat Cover – a Budget Solution for Saddle Discomfort
    • Headphone Reviews
      • Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Review – AfterShokz Trekz Cordless Open Ear Bone Conduction Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Jaybird Tarah Wireless Headphones Review
    • 7 Reasons to Use a Power Meter on Your Bike
  • Bike Computer Reviews
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 – Garmin’s Game-Changing GPS Bike Computer
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Weight Loss
      • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Lose Weight
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight Cycling
      • How Many Calories Do You Burn Cycling?
      • How Many Calories Can You Burn Riding an Ebike?
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
      • Intermittent Fasting, Cycling, HIIT, and Weight Loss
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
      • 5 Great Reasons to Take Up Cycling During Retirement
      • Science Says Exercise is a Miracle Cure and Protects You from Diseases
      • Science Proves Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • Science Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • 7 Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • Case Studies: Three Seniors who Regained their Health with E-Bikes
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
    • Cycling and Strength
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
      • 5 Great Strength Exercises for Cyclists
      • Science Says Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
    • Cycling and Brain Health
      • Science Shows Five Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Kids biking
      • 7 Easy Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos
      • 7 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 3 – Preparing for Your First Race
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Your Bike – and How to Do It
    • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Complete Core Workout for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • 5 Benefits of Cross Training for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Guide to Smart Turbo Indoor Trainers
    • How to Get Started with Stationary Biking: A Guide to Stationary Bikes
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
    • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers for 2023
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • How to Change Gears on a Bike – Beginner’s Guide
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • Top 10 Tips to Keep your Bike from being Stolen
    • Smart Phone vs a Bike Computer for Recording Bike Rides – Which is Better?
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Do You Need a Cycling Jersey?
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
      • How to Buy Used Bikes on Craigslist (and Other Online Marketplaces)
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
    • 5 Things You Need to Know about Hydration for Cyclists
      • Hydration for Cycling – How Much Fluid do You Need?
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
      • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Tips for Going Car-Free
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
      • 5 Ways to Stay Visible in Traffic When Cycling
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Helpful Tips for New Bike Commuters – Don’t Start Bike Commuting Until You Read This!
    • Winter Cycling
      • Safe Winter Cycling – How to Cycle Safely in the Winter
      • How to Dress for Winter Cycling – Cycling Clothes that will Keep You Warm and Dry
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • Top 10 Tips to Not Get Hit by a Car on Your Bike
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
You are here: Home / Cycling and Health / Kids biking / 7 Easy Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike

7 Easy Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike

February 25, 2022 by Average Joe Cyclist Leave a Comment

Pin
Share
Tweet

Avatarwp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-96 photoHere are 7 simple steps that you can use to teach a child to ride a bike. This post explains step-by-step how to teach a child to ride a bike, based on our experience teaching our own kids and grandkids. We include a short video illustrating the most crucial points. Some of the tips here may surprise you, as they are contrary to conventional thinking on the subject. We learned the hard way – by getting it wrong first! You will be giving your child something very special: being able to ride a bike will open up doors to fun and healthy activities throughout life.

Once you have taught your child to ride a bike, you will both benefit. There are amazing benefits to be reaped just from getting outside with your child, as is explained in this post about the 15 benefits of engaging with nature with your kids.

9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike. When you teach a child to ride a bike you are giving them something very special: the ability to ride a bike will open up doors to fun and healthy activities all over the world, throughout the child’s life. How to teach a child to ride a bike
When you teach a child to ride a bike you are giving them something very special: being able to ride a bike will open up doors to fun and healthy activities all over the world, throughout the child’s life

Use the Right Equipment to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike

Many parents see some kind of bike as essential equipment for their kids, but end up buying something that is not helpful. It is wise to be careful about what you buy for kids – the wrong bike can do more harm than good. Basically, there are four possibilities:

  1. Trikes (tricycles);
  2. Balance bikes (also known as glider bikes or strider bikes);
  3. Bikes with training wheels;
  4. Regular bikes.

This may surprise you, but we only recommend no. 2 and no. 4. We don’t recommend trikes, and we strongly recommend against bikes with training wheels.


The Problem with Trikes

Trikes tend to be slow, and are not as stable as you might think. They are hard to turn, and the parents tend to do most of the work (which is why many have a pushing handle). This means your child is getting little exercise, and not learning much, if anything. Almost all trikes are quite slow. So your kids won’t even be able to keep up with you a Sunday morning walk on the boardwalk – not under their own power, anyway.

More importantly, trikes do not help your child learn to ride a bike. They teach them to sit on something while being pushed – which is not really a useful life skill. They most probably already got this covered during their years in a stroller!

Why Balance Bikes are Better than Trikes

By contrast, balance bikes go faster and are much easier to turn. Most importantly, they achieve the most essential part of the learning-to-ride-a-bike process – they teach balance. This can be a difficult skill for kids to learn. But once they get it, it is transferable to many other essential life skills, including, of course, riding a bike!

Video Contrasting Trikes and Balance Bikes

Check out this video, which very effectively shows how much better balance bikes are than trikes:


What’s Wrong with Training Wheels?

Most people buy their kids bikes with training wheels without thinking twice about it. I have done it myself, long ago. However, training wheels can actually do a whole lot of damage.

We have sometimes been asked to help a child who was having difficulty learning to ride a bike. Most recently, it was two of our grandchildren – Connor, who is 5, and Kara, who is 8. Both had been riding with training wheels for years. As with all kids who have spent significant time on training wheels, four negative things had happened.

Negative Effects of Training Wheels

We noticed that training wheels had had the following four negative effects on our grandkids.

#1: Failure to Learn the Most Essential Skill for Riding a Bike

They had not learned a thing about balancing. This is the most essential skill for riding a bike. A bike with training wheels gives a child no practice in balancing, so they fail to learn how to do it.

#2: Acquiring Bad Habits

The kids had acquired bad habits that were actively preventing them from learning to ride a real bike. These included persistently leaning heavily to one side. This was because they were used to leaning on one of the training wheels. This habit made it extremely hard for them to learn to balance.The essence of balancing is maintaining a steady upright position, which is the exact opposite of leaning to one side.

They had even got into the habit of occasionally removing their hands from the grips. Why not, when you are going to be held upright by training wheels? Except of course when you are a beginner on a real bike, this probably going to cause you to fall.

Most alarmingly, Kara had learned to put both her hands on one side in order to turn in that direction. That is a recipe for disaster on a real bike!


#3: Failure to Learn How to Brake Properly

The kids had gotten used to coaster brakes. These are brakes which engage when you turn the pedals backward. As a result, they had no concept of using hand brakes.

Also, they were resistant to pedaling backwards (something which is actually essential to position your pedals for efficient takeoff on a real bike).

#4: They Were Not Very Enthusiastic about Riding Bikes

Most bikes with training wheels are slow and cumbersome, and give a child no concept of the fun that comes with fast and efficient cycling. Many of these bikes are actually less efficient than walking.

It hardly encourages a child to get excited about cycling when it is faster and easier to get off their bike and walk!

If Possible, Start Your Child off on a Balance Bike

In short, avoid trikes and avoid bikes with training wheels. Instead, it is ideal to start your child on a balance bike. This can be as early as 18 months, if you have a child who has a good sense of balance and is relatively athletic and daring. If your child seems to not be ready yet, don’t push it. Cycling should be fun, not something they have to do.

9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike. Balance bikes help kids learn how to balance on a bike - and they are also great fun and provide lots of exercise! How to teach a child to ride a bike
Balance bikes help kids learn how to balance on a bike – and they are also great fun and provide lots of exercise! This is a balance bike we got for our oldest grandson, and later passed on to our second grandson. Both boys got many miles out of it!


Starting off on a Balance Bike

When your child is ready, let them sit on a balance bike with their feet on the ground. The skill of pushing themselves forwards will start slowly, and then develop as their confidence improves and they naturally learn balance. Soon, they will be having lots of fun, and even keeping up with the bigger kids!

9 Simple Steps to teach a child to ride a bike. On a balance bike, a child can get out and develop the essential balance skills needed for cycling - and even keep up with some of the bigger kids!
On a balance bike, a child can get out and develop the essential balance skills needed for cycling – and even keep up with some of the bigger kids!

Related Post: Complete Guide to Child Bike Seats and Trailers


Get a Decent Quality Kid’s Bike with Hand-Operated Brakes

Once your child can ride a balance bike, progress to a decent quality kid’s bike with hand-operated brakes (not coaster brakes). If your child was really good on the balance bike, the transition will be easy.

9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike. A good kid's bike will have hand brakes and no training wheels. Some only have a rear hand brake, to prevent the possibility of going over the handlebars if the front brakes are applied too sharply
A good kid’s bike will have hand brakes and no training wheels. Some only have a rear hand brake, to prevent the possibility of going over the handlebars if the front brakes are applied too sharply. This 20″ Raleigh bike is one of the best kid’s bikes you can buy for less than $200

If you have not used a balance bike, don’t worry. You can just go directly to a regular bike. You will of course have to help your child, and there will be a lot of running involved!

Make Sure the Bike Fits the Child

Note that once you have bought a kid’s bike, you might have to adjust it slightly to suit your child. First, set the saddle to a height that the child’s legs are close to straight in the extended position. If this means that the saddle is so high that your child has difficulty mounting and dismounting, and feels insecure, then you may have to start off with it a bit lower. The correct height will give more pedaling efficiency, but to start with your child has to first achieve the ability to balance while pedaling.

Also, take a good look at the handlebars. Many bikes (including adult’s bikes) are sold with excessively wide handlebars. This is to accommodate all possible arm lengths. However, if the width is too wide for your child, it will make learning to ride a bike harder. You can always have a bike shop remove an inch or two from each side, for a cost of about $30 per bike.

Assume Nothing When you Teach a Child to Ride a Bike

When teaching a child to ride a bike, be aware that there are several steps in the process, and don’t assume that your child will just intuitively know any of them. This may all be new to them, and they simply won’t know. Note that all of these steps are shown in the short video. Take a look at the video, and then read the detailed instructions that follow.

The steps involved for a child to learn to ride a bike are:

Step 1: Take responsibility for their own bike

Teach your child how to hold the handlebars and push their own bike on the way to the park or wherever you are going to practice. This builds an essential skill, as well as helping the child feel that they are in charge of their own bike.

9 SImple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike. Teach your child how to hold the handlebars and push their own bike on the way to the park or wherever you are going to practice. How to teach a child to ride a bike
Teach your child how to hold the handlebars and push their own bike on the way to the park or wherever you are going to practice

Step 2: Get on the bike

This requires the child to step over the cross bar, if there is one. First show the child how to hold the handlebars while carefully stepping across the cross bar. Then let them try it. They should get the hang of this after a few outings, and will soon start getting on without any help from you.

9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike. Teach your child how to get on their bike. They can practice as you hold the bike steady. How to teach a child to ride a bike
Teach your child how to get on their bike. They can practice as you hold the bike steady

Step 3: Get in position for pull-off

This includes taking firm hold of the grips with both hands; facing straight ahead; and getting one pedal into position at a 45 degree angle for pull-off (this should be the pedal for the child’s dominant foot). take this opportunity to remind your child to never take their hands off the grips.

Step 4: Push off on the pedal while at the same time lifting rear end onto seat

It is possible for the child to get their rear end onto the seat in step 3, but only if the seat is very low. The problem with this is that if the seat is too low, pedaling will be much less efficient. You are likely to have to compromise by initially having the seat too low, and raising it to the correct height once the child gains confidence in the pull-off and pedaling.

Step 5: Ride the bike, including acquire balance skills, pedaling skills, and turning skills

This is the part where you will have to work hard! As shown in the video above, take hold of the back of the saddle and walk or run with the child. This enables you to keep the bike upright, while the child pedals until they achieve balance. As you feel them find their balance, you can gently let go of the saddle, but be ready to grab it again if necessary. Afterwards, tell them they were doing it all on their own for part of the way! The first few times, they will be surprised and thrilled – and motivated to keep trying.

Getting the bike balanced does require a bit of speed. Getting up speed is easier when you are not on grass, but falling on grass is less likely to cause a scrape – so you will have to decide which works better for you, grass or tarmac.

9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike. Take hold of the back of the saddle and walk or run with the child. How to teach a child to ride a bike
Take hold of the back of the saddle and walk or run with the child

Step 6: Turn corners by turning the handlebars appropriately

Again as shown in the video, you are likely to have to take hold of the handlebars at first to help your child get the hang of this. If you have been riding bikes for years, you might think that turning is obvious or easy. However, it is also a skill that has to be learned.

9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike. You are likely to have to take hold of the handlebars at first to help your child learn to take corners. How to teach a child to ride a bike
You are likely to have to take hold of the handlebars at first to help your child learn to take corners

Step 7: Learn to use the hand brakes to gently stop the bike

This includes learning to use both hand brakes at the same time, as using just the front brakes can cause the rider to go over the handlebars. As we found, some children are surprised by even the concept of hand brakes, so be sure to show them how to use them, and give them safe opportunities to practice them (see video).

9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike. Show your child how to use hand brakes on his bike, and let him practice in safe conditions. How to teach a child to ride a bike
Show your child how to use hand brakes on his bike, and let him practice in safe conditions


Final Steps

Make sure that you teach your child how to dismount. This requires the child to first stop the bike by braking, then gently fall towards one side, using the leg on that side to prevent falling, and then dismount by lifting the other leg over the bike.

This is another skill that you might think is obvious, but in fact it requires practice. Your child may fall while learning this step. Take the opportunity to point out that this small fall does not cause any harm to come to the child.

As with all skills, practice makes perfect. Try to organize plenty of fun outings to places such as parks, where your child can safely practice his or her newfound skills. Soon, they will be having such fun, they will be biking all day long!

Related Post: 7 of the Best Child Bike Seats to Take Your Child on Bike Rides

Provide Positive Feedback When You Teach a Child to Ride a Bike

Throughout this process, some children will be more daring, others will be more cautious. The more cautious children in particular require a lot of reassurance that no great harm will come to them, and that they are doing well.

9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike. Keep providing positive reassurance to your child. How to teach a child to ride a bike
Keep providing positive reassurance to your child

It is common for parents to become tired and frustrated when teaching a child to ride a bike. After all, it is pretty exhausting running while holding a bike! Also, you may start to worry that your child will never learn. Plus, learning to ride a bike inevitably results in some falls, and this can be hard for some parents to witness. Remember, they are only going to fall about two feet!

It is essential that you don’t push your child too hard (literally and figuratively). Don’t make the child feel under pressure, or feel bad if they don’t instantly get it.

Instead, keep providing positive reinforcement for whatever they get right. As in, “Wow, you are really good at getting your pedals right!” or “That was really good braking.” I went as far as, “That was great falling!” After all, falling is a life skill too!

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Learning to ride a bike will take a while with most kids. Try doing only about twenty minutes a day, so as not to overwhelm the child or exhaust yourself. If possible, recruit a few other family members or friends to help, as it really can be hard work, physically and mentally.

9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike. Persevere, and one day you will feel that magical moment when the child takes off on their own on a bike. How to teach a child to ride a bike
Persevere, and one day you will feel that magical moment when the child takes off on their own on a bike

But persevere, and one day you will feel that magical moment when the child takes off on their own on a bike. You can see that magic moment in the video, as Maggie feels exultation as Kara takes off on the bike – even if just for a moment. It really is a magical moment, and inevitably, those moments will get longer and longer. Until one wonderful day, your child will just take off on their own, leaving you behind. At that moment, as they speed away from you, you are going to be really glad you took the time to teach them how to brake!


If your child is still too young to ride a bike, consider taking him or her along on your own bike! Read our in-depth post, 7 of the Best and Safest Baby and Child Bike Seats, with Reviews and Videos

Our Best Posts about Kids Cycling
7 Best Child Bike Seats
How to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike

How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikeshow-to-help-you-kids-bike-table-31
Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Starthow-to-help-you-kids-bike-table-21
How to Help your Kids Bike to School
how-to-help-you-kids-bike-table-11
How to Transport Kids on Bikes
mom-and-child-on-bike-in-stanley-park-table-175-1751

Check Out Our Most Popular Posts!

  • 7 of the Best Health and Fitness Trackers
  • Best Budget gifts for cyclists
    Best Budget Gifts for Cyclists - Under $15 and Under $30
  • Our Ultimate Gift Guide for Cyclists - 90 Top Picks from Budget to Luxury
  • They look the same - but there are quite a lot of differences!. Garmin edge 1030 plus vs 1040 bike computers
    What's NEW about the Garmin Edge 1040? Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
  • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
    ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED! 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
  • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers
  • 7 best dog bike baskets
    7 of the Best Carriers to Take Your Dog on Bike Rides
  • This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right)
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison with Reviews and Videos
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • 7 of the best indoor bike trainers
    7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
  • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs. 1030 Plus. Would a much CHEAPER bike computer work for you?
  • 7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
  • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists to Track Bike Rides
  • Best road bike saddles
    9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for Men and Women - Video-Packed Post
  • 7 of the Best Bike Computers
  • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
  • 9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets for men and women. A great waterproof cycling jacket will keep you dry, and at the same time be breathable, so that you don't overheat your core
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
  • 7 of the best waterproof cycling pants for men and women
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
  • The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 vs 1040
  • Get a new bike, and then get outside and have fun!
    7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon - Cruiser, Mountain, Road and Hybrid
  • Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
    Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
  • Waterproof cycling jackets - group of cyclists
    Best Waterproof Cycling Gear - Includes Jackets, Pants, Gloves, and Balaclavas
  • Great bike lights will light up the night for you! Just be sure to get the ones that are right for you
    7 of the Best Bike Lights
  • 7 of the Best Women's Cycling Jackets
  • 7 of the Best Windproof Cycling Jackets - Find a Great Cycling Jacket Now!
  • How to Choose the Safest Headphones for Cycling
  • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers Compared
  • 7 of the Best Child Bike Seats Compared
  • How to Buy the Best Electric Bike
  • 7 best bike locks
    7 of the Best Bike locks Compared. Find the Best Bike Lock For You!
  • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling

Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog!


average-joe-cyclist-mug-shot copyWe write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we REALLY would appreciate if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. We are proudly affiliated with Amazon, which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the only way we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win/win situation!
Shop at Amazon in the USA:
Shop at Amazon in Canada:
Shop at Amazon in the UK:

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Cycling Tips and How-Tos, Kids biking Tagged With: Family cycling, Kids cycling

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2023 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.

 

Loading Comments...