Remember how exhilarating it was when you pedalled down the street for the first time? What a sense of freedom.
Children love the mobility that wheels provide, whether it’s a toddler’s ride- on toy or an 8-year-old’s mountain bike.
And now that it is spring, a set of wheels is on many people’s minds ( I promise I’m not going to encourage you to get a new car!)
Learning to ride a bike seems like an essential skill of childhood. Aside from the joy it provides, bike riding is great exercise and provides your kids with a lifelong way to be fit, to explore, and to get places.
For some children bike riding comes easy and they pick it up within days.
Some children find it intimidating and take many months, even years, to feel comfortable.
My son was one of those quick learners.
My daughter was completely resistant, even though we bought her a pinky pink bike (we thought that would help!) It sat literally for years, in our garage. Then one day she came in from the backyard and announced: “I can ride my bike”. And she could. When she was ready, she taught herself in a couple of hours, and now, many years later, she’s ridden back and forth to work in Toronto, Vancouver and Nelson.
What’s the best way to teach a child to ride?
There are as many views on this as there are on any aspect of parenting.
Most people agree that there are two major keys to learning to ride a bike. #1 is Safety. No matter how you start your little one on wheels, safety must be the biggest priority.
A good bike helmet is absolutely essential! And choosing a safe location away from cars, pedestrians and fast-moving bicycles is essential as well.
The second key to learning to ride a bike is confidence. Confidence can be gained in many ways. Here are some ideas:
When babies approach their first birthday, give them a good solid, safe ride-on toy such as the Hape Scoot Around , the Pewi Ride-On and Walking Buddy, the John Deere Tot Tractor or the Mini Micro 3-in-1 ride-on/scooter (it converts from a ride-on to two sizes of scooter. Brilliant!)
Ride-ons will get them used to the idea of sitting and manoeuvring a moving vehicle. It will also strengthen their leg muscles and build their core strength, and give them the pure joy of moving on wheels!
As they get closer to two, many parents are choosing the new pedal-less balance bikes, such as the assorted Runners’ Balance Bikes.
These give children the opportunity to learn to balance on two wheels without needing to learn to pedal. These small “almost bikes” are close to the ground and by easily leaning left or right, children can use their feet to slow down or stop. Once they are confident children can go very fast and manoeuvre skillfully.
Another two-year-old option is to consider getting a tricycle. This adds on the element of pedalling and speed. Get a good, safe sturdy metal one like the Radio Flyer trikes. Having a parent push handle on the back is great for when your child gets tired.
Training wheels are still popular and offer an excellent way to transition into pedalling and balancing.
Holding on to your child’s bike seat and running behind is a tried and true method for kids to gain confidence (and for parents to get in shape!). Always tell them when you are letting go so they don’t suddenly panic when they discover you aren’t there.
All these kinds of experiences provide children with the skills and confidence they need to ride a two-wheeler solo. Before you know it, you’ll all be off riding together having great family adventures. Enjoy!
