Riding a bike is an important skill that your child will need to learn to be safe and healthy. It can also give them enormous amounts of confidence, which is just what they need as they start their journey through the teen years. There are many different ways you can teach your child how to ride a bike. However, one method with proven success rates has been tried and tested for generations: the 6-step process. Now let us dive in and look at the 6-step process on how to train your child to ride a bike
Table of Contents
Step 1. Find a bike that is the right size for your child
A good bike for a child has easy-to-reach pedals, an adjustable seat, and handlebars. You can get bikes at any department store or toy store in the section of their shop where they sell outdoor toys. It doesn’t matter what color it is so long as it fits your child well and isn’t too big or small.
The most important thing to look out for with children’s bikes are the height of the seat – if they’re still learning how to pedal then this will be set low down but once they’ve mastered riding without training wheels then you’ll want them on something similar to adult bike seats which should have space between their legs when sitting correctly (i.e not crossing over the top tube).
A sneaky peak for you to read The best 5 Steps to Finding the Right Bike
If you want to get them a bike with training wheels then the type of pedal they’ll use will depend on what stage they’re at. If your child is just beginning to learn, then it’s best to start on pedals that have both sides disconnected from the wheel meaning their feet can’t reach down and make circles in front of the tire – these are called ‘stirrups’.
Once again, every store worth shopping at has stirrup-style pedals that come with new bikes or as a bike accessory for older ones. They also tend to be cheaper than other types such as three-sided or clipless so if money isn’t high up there on your list of priorities, this might be something to consider.
Step 2. Make sure they have the best bike gear
It is important for your child to have the best bike gear in order to make their cycling experience as enjoyable and safe as possible. You don’t want them to ruffle up from a fall or injury so getting them the best bike gloves, best elbow guards for the bike, best bike knee pads, the best bike helmet with visor, and of course pants that cover most of their legs are all crucial.
Now that they are all set to ride their bike, it’s time to begin training them how. In order for your child does not just to learn how to pedal a bike but also to master the art of balance and steer themselves on two wheels, you will need some patience and persistence with them as well as an understanding of their limits at this stage in life.
Step 3. Start by teaching them to ride a balance bike
If they’re a little older and their feet can reach the ground, you’ll need to teach them balance first. A bike with no pedals will help your child develop that skill while still being fun.
This is the initial stage that will build the confidence of your child. Start by holding the bike from the rear to allow your child to ride along. This stage is a fan though don’t be tempted to let go until you feel like your child can balance on his/her own.
My advice is that you hold on for at least one week or so.
Step 4. Teach them how to stop and start
Having skills on breaking a bike is a basic skill that is needed to teach your child. Therefore, I would recommend teaching your child to stop and start. This skill will help him increase his/her safety ods when riding his best kid’s bike.
When you’re ready to teach your child how to break, have him/her use one hand for braking while the other is used for steering. This will make the child not lose control of the bike.
Step 5. Show them how to use hand signals when riding in traffic
Children are more likely to be hit by a car when they’re riding their bikes. One way to prevent this is to show them how hand signals work when in traffic. You can teach your child where the directional signal and brake lights on his/her bike will tell him/her what he needs to do next, whether that’s going faster or slower, turning left or right, etc. To make it easier for you and your child there are many websites available with pictures of different hand gestures so both of you know which one means what.
I have some Road Cycling Rules for you.
You want to keep an eye out while teaching your kid this skill because children tend not to react fast enough and may turn into the wrong lane without looking at other drivers coming from behind!
A piece of bonus advice on this is that you should install a pair of side mirrors for your kid’s bike. This will increase the field of view from behind, and your child will not have to look behind instead he/she will just focus on balance and also check for incoming traffic from his side mirrors
Step 6. Create a continuous bike training schedule
As it has been stated that training makes work easier. Therefore, give your child as much time to practice so they can master the art of riding a bike. Practice riding up hills or over bumps so they know what it feels like before they try it on their own.
The more they train, the more comfortable and skilled they become on bike riding. We believe this activity has an added value on how to train your child to ride a bike. Nevertheless training can make him know how to ride a bike fast, and unfortunately we have a guide on How to Prepare for a Bike Racing Competition
Our wrap up on how to train your child to ride a bike
We know crystal clear that when these simple steps you are destined to have the best result i.e your child knowing how to ride a bike.
In conclusion, Encourage them with positive feedback and rewards. This will boost their confidence and encourage them to do more bike riding.
What you should look out for when it comes to bikes are new models coming on the market every year which means they will be more expensive. If you’re not crazily rich like some people then try looking at used bikes because they can still provide quality service.
Never we have a guide on 5 Steps to Finding the Right Bike. feel free to read, and also another sneaky peak is a guide on how to service your bike at home
We hope that these simple steps will help anyone who is trying to teach his/her children how to ride a bicycle! If not, we are happy to answer any query. I also have also found another detailed guide click here to see
