Riding a bicycle is every child’s rite of passage. Not only is it fun, but it’s also a wonderful way for them to get some physical activity.
In many ways, learning to ride a bicycle also helps refine important milestones in gross motor skills.
Most of the time, your child will come to you themselves to ask for lessons. Especially once they see their friends riding their own bicycles.
For first-time or young parents, you may be unsure about how to start teaching your little one how to graduate from their training wheels.
After all, it may even be a long time since you’ve gotten on a bicycle yourself.
Here’s how to get your kids to learn how to ride a bicycle for the first time.
The Parents’ Guide to Teaching Bicycle-Riding
Choosing the Right Bike
Start by picking a bike that fits your child properly: Choose function over fashion.
Avoid buying an overly expensive or decked-out bicycle. Training bicycles in general tend to go through a lot of wear and tear.
Here are some pointers about getting your child an appropriate bike.
First, their feet should be able to touch the ground when seated.
Next, get one with a lightweight frame; this will make handling much easier.
Stabilisers, or ‘training wheels’, are also an option, though they may delay balance development.
Opt instead for balance bikes, which are training bicycles that have no pedals. These are a popular choice for beginners.
They help children learn to balance before introducing pedals.
Avoid secondhand or hand-me-down bikes unless they’re in good or mint condition. These have likely gone through hell and back and may not be safe for your child.
Safety First
Before you even let your child on a bicycle, make sure they’ve put their ‘armour’ on.
This includes basic personal safety equipment: a properly fitted helmet, elbow and knee pads, and closed shoes.
These all may sound like overkill, but remember, your child is still young. Any injury, no matter how small, may warrant a trip to the emergency room.
But don’t stop with just the necessities.
Before starting your child’s lesson, give the new bicycle a thorough check.
Test the bike’s brakes and tyres to ensure everything is working as it should. Make sure nothing is loose or coming apart.
Finding a Safe Practice Area
Training your child to properly ride a bicycle should be done in a safe environment that offers the least physical damage.
Avoid roads, even relatively deserted ones. Falling on asphalt is not fun and may result in broken bones.
Avoid cement surfaces too, like basketball courts or public park/jogging paths. At least until your child is able to ride competently.
Avoid roads and uneven ground. Instead, try and find a playground with shock absorbers or shock mats, ideally.
Introducing Pedalling and Balance
Now, this is when the actual lesson actually starts.
After doing all the preliminary things, here’s how to teach your child the art of riding a bicycle.
When your child feels ready, show them how to pedal.
Hold the back of the seat for gentle support, allowing them to steer.
Avoid holding the handlebars so they can learn to control the bike themselves. Keep your tone positive and calm.
Reassure them that falling is part of the process, and focus on effort rather than results.
This may take several tries and several days before your child masters the basics.
Keeping it Fun and Consistent
Short, enjoyable sessions work best. Children learn better when they are relaxed and having fun.
Learn to read your child’s emotional cue; if they look like they’re getting frustrated, annoyed or tired, end the lesson.
Take them to play something in the park, or treat them to ice cream.
But don’t coddle them either.
Some children are more resilient than others and welcome a good challenge, so if they tell you they’re okay to keep going, respect their dedication.
Aim for daily practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Always end on a positive note, even if progress is slow. This helps maintain confidence and motivation.
Building Independence
As your child’s bicycle-riding skills start to improve, let them spread their wings.
Avoid helping them too much, except to brush them off if they fall.
When they’ve got their balance, try letting go for a few seconds to see how they manage.
Celebrate small successes. Remember to congratulate them, even if they only managed to keep the bicycle upright for a few minutes.
The moment they ride even a short distance unaided can be a breakthrough.
After that, it’s just a matter of more practice and encouragement.
The Joy of Learning to Ride
Learning to ride a bike is about more than just movement.
It teaches resilience, balance, and confidence.
However, just like everything else with growing up, there will be learning curves.
Progress is never linear. Make sure to let them rest between lessons.
The great thing about learning to ride a bike is that once you master the skill, it will be part of your muscle memory. So, it’s sort of a lifelong investment.
With your support, patience, and encouragement, your child will soon be cycling on their own. The moment they do is something you’ll both treasure for years to come.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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