LEARN TO RIDE
BALANCE BIKES HAVE CHANGED THE WAY CHILDREN HAVE LEARNT HOW TO RIDE.
Learning to ride a bike is one of life’s big milestones, something every parent and child will remember forever. Kids these days are learning to ride younger than ever. I was 5 when I got my first bike and 6 when I took off my stabilizers (which was a scary experience), but that was before the advent of balance bikes. These days kids can be pedaling independently (without stabilizers) as young as 3 years old! Of course, not all kids will take to cycling so easily, so here are a few tips to get them started.
Teaching your child how to ride a bike confidently and safely is a skill that doesn’t necessarily come naturally or easily.
Ok, there are kids who seem to be able to just pedal away at a very young age with very little parental help or advice, but these are the outliers. Most children go through a learning process, which may take days, weeks, or even months. The fact is, every child is different and learns at a different pace.
Fundamentally, successfully learning to ride a bike is about good balance and coordination. Getting your child to develop these areas is key to learning how to cycle quickly and safely.
HOW TO RIDE A BALANCE BIKE?
Balance bikes are really simple for kids to ride and often they won’t even need any guidance on how to use it. To ride the balance bike, kids sit on the low saddle while holding the handlebars. Then to move forward they can walk, run, stride or glide, depending on their confidence and experience.
Even smaller more timid kids can start on a balance bike by standing over the frame, in front of the saddle, and just walk normally. By holding the handlebars and getting used to the weight and feel of the bike, their coordination will improve, and they can progress to riding while seated.
HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILD TO RIDE A BALANCE BIKE?
Balance bikes don’t require much instruction. Kids usually hop on and ride without much fuss. But there are a few things to check before you start:
- Find an open space free from obstacles and rough surfaces.
- Fit a decent helmet to ensure a gentle fall doesn’t knock your child’s confidence.
- Set the saddle height so your child’s feet are flat on the ground with their legs straight.
- If your bike has brakes, instruct your child how to use them.
- If needed, give your child a gentle push to get started.
- Watch your child ride…
