How to teach your kids to ride a bike


Who doesn’t remember the elation that comes with mastering the art of riding a bicycle for the first time?  Most people can remember exactly where they were and can vividly describe that glorious feeling of freedom that comes with those first moments of cycling pleasure.  


They can also describe in some detail the damage to their body that occurred as they collided with the ground, tree, bush, letterbox or <enter obstacle of choice> while they achieved aforesaid mastery.  Some even proudly show the scars as if those long-healed wounds prove their worth as a human being. 


Well, let’s face it, learning to ride is one of those rituals that marks a change in your status, gives you boasting rights at school (or kindy) and opens up a whole new world of adventure.
 

The question is, of course, how to learn as quickly as possible with as little personal injury as possible.


This is where you step in.  You’re now the wise one.  Been there done that, got the scars to prove it.  And you need to impart that knowledge to the budding cyclist that is your offspring.  But do you really know what’s best?  Or are you relying on your Dad’s method of the big shove down a hill and hope for the best?


Cycling’s fortunately evolved a bit since then and we’ve learnt a thing or two about the best way to teach a child to ride.  Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to big grins and family rides through your local park in no time.


Don’t force it.  You can introduce your kids to riding as soon as you want to but you can’t force them to ride.  If they aren’t interested they won’t learn.  But you can encourage them by telling them how much fun it is and setting a good example by riding yourself.  Remember to stay positive and upbeat.  An angry, frustrated parent won’t accelerate the learning process!


First things first.  Always put a helmet on your child’s head before they ride.  Safety should always come first.  It’s also a good idea to wear gloves.  Remember how much grazed knuckles or palms sting?


And those trainer wheels?  Hmmm, well, they’re good for getting them used to pedalling but they won’t help much when it comes to balancing.  And balancing is essential.  When they’re ready to learn either take the trainer wheels off, or even better start them on a push-a-long bike like the Avanti Lil’ Ripper.  With this option you can start at the age of 2 with no problem.


Go low.  Set up the seat slightly lower than a normal riding position.  This helps them keep control of their bike as they can plant their feet safely on the ground if things get a bit hairy.


Get on the grass.  Falling off hurts.  But it hurts a lot on concrete and tarseal.  If you find a grassy area with a gentle slope to learn on they’ll avoid the worst injuries but have the advantage of a little gravity-assisted momentum.


Climbing aboard.  Show them how to mount the bike and manage the handlebars.  Remind them they only need to turn the bars a small amount to change direction.  This is your opportunity to adjust the seat to the right height.  Remind them to look straight ahead while riding (not at you).


Get them moving. Here you can go one of two ways.  Either get them to push along with their feet (this can work especially well if you take the pedals off a normal bike or on a push-along bike) so they glide along going progressively further each time.  Or you can hold the back of the seat with one hand and their shoulder with the other hand and push gently until they get enough speed that the bike can remain upright without support.  Don’t let go yet!


Get them confident.  Keep running along beside them and tell them how great they’re doing.  They need all the encouragement they can get.  Tell them you’re going to let go but stay close.  Keep running beside them and catch them if they falter.  Or pick them up when they fall. 


You may want to use a small rope to wrap around the seat post and use it as a handle to help them balance and prevent them falling by pulling sharply upward.  Let out more rope as they improve.


Introduce pedalling.  Once they’ve mastered balance introduce pedalling by getting them to start off with one pedal at a two o’clock position, push down to take off and glide along.  Maintaining momentum will help them with that all important balance so encourage them to keep the bike rolling through more pedal action.  They may need your help during this stage again.  They may also need reminding about how to use the brakes.


Eventually you’ll be able to let go completely as they balance and pedal on their own.  Bask in the glow of their huge grin.  You’ve done well!