Learning to ride a bike can be a daunting experience for a child, but the right approach to bike riding can make it a painless, fun experience for you and your child. To make this little life lesson as painless as possible, put the focus on the most important element of bike riding...balance.
The most common mistake that parents make when teaching their child to ride a bike is either letting their child or themselves be drawn in by the "cool" bike or the princess bike that's just too big for their child's body. Even at age two-and-a-half a child can learn to ride, but they'll never be able to do it on a bike that's too large for them. For many years, balance bikes have been a popular option in Europe for teaching very young children to ride. These bikes are now becoming popular in the US as well.
Bicycle Tool
A balance bike (also known as a running bike or walking bike) has no pedals, chain or sprockets. It's self-propelled by the child and generally sits much lower to the ground than the conventional pedaled bike you might find in Wal-Mart. This low-profile seat allows the youngster to put their feet firmly on the ground and push themselves along the sidewalk or grass. Gradually they'll gain confidence and move their legs more vigorously, testing out their sense of balance and motor skills. In a very short time, most kids get the feel for balance and steering and coast around on the bike with ease.
Balance bikes come in both wooden and metal versions. The wooden balance bike is popular in Europe. It's toy-like construction often appeals to very young children and can be a great option for kids 2-3 years of age who possess the motor skills to begin the process of learning to ride. Even older boys and girls may find a connection between the wooden blocks, puzzles and toys they've enjoyed in the past and these wooden balance bikes.
Metal balance bikes are very similar to a conventional bike, but without the pedals, chain and sprockets. These bikes are much smaller than a standard bicycle, a key to making a boy or girl comfortable when introducing bike riding activities. The seat sits in a very low profile that allows even toddlers to put their feet firmly on the ground while seated.
Many metal balance bikes have foot rests that help kids keep their feet in a safe place when coasting and some even covert to pedal bikes with easy-to-use conversion kits.
If you have a child over the age of 8 who is still struggling to learn the art of riding a bicycle, you may want to consider converting their conventional bike into a running bike. Remove the pedals and lower the seat as low as possible. Start the child out on a very gradual incline and let them coast, feet skimming the ground until they reach the bottom of the hill.
Whatever approach you use to teach your child to ride a bike, the most important tool is your own encouragement and patience. Every successful coast of a few feet should be met with raucous cheers. Be encouraging, positive and supportive. Even with the assistance of a balance bike, learning to ride can be a frightening experience for a child.