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Ah, the good ole days of riding around with your friends without a care in the world. Life was so much simpler! For many children, learning how to ride a bike is a sort of rite of passage that opens up a more independent world. You can help teach them so they’re confident and safe out there, and it’s not as difficult or time-consuming as you may think. To help you out, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions that folks have about how to do it.
Steps
Question 2 of 8:
How do you help a child learn to pedal a bike?
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Introduce pedals and let them practice pedaling and braking. As your child gets a little more used to balancing and coasting, add the pedals back on the bike if you haven’t already. Show them how to push the pedals to move the wheels and make the bike move forward. Then, show them how to use the foot brake (pedaling backward) or the hand brake, depending on what type of brakes the bike uses. [2] X Research source
- Make sure they’re wearing their helmet just in case they fall.
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Walk alongside and hold onto your child as they practice pedaling. Place your hand gently on them and walk/run alongside them as they practice pedaling and riding. If they start to fall or lose their balance, support them so they stay upright. Let them get used to pushing the pedals, applying the brakes, and improving their balance. [3] X Research source
- It may feel tempting to let your child learn how to balance as they get better, but it’s important that they know you’re there to catch them if they fall to help boost their confidence.
- Support your child, not the bike. Place your hands on them and if they need more support, you can place your hands beneath their armpits.
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Let them start on their own once they’re ready. If your child is feeling confident enough to try riding solo, have them start in the “ready position” by aligning the pedals so 1 is raised up. Then, they can stomp on the raised pedal to get the bike going on their own. Let them pedal on their own and build up some more speed so they can practice riding around by themselves. [4] X Research source
- It can feel a little nerve-wracking to let your child ride a bike solo for the first time. If it helps, you can have someone else step in as teacher so you aren’t as worried or stressed out.
- Keep in mind that it’ll take lots of practice for your kiddo to master riding a bike, but getting started on their own is part of the journey!
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Question 3 of 8:
How do you teach a child to steer a bike?
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Show them how to make gentle turns by moving the handlebars. Start while they’re standing still and sitting on the bike. Have them move the handlebars left and right to get used to how it feels. Then, let them make small turns while they coast and ride the bike so they can get the hang of it. [5] X Research source
- It can take some time for your child to become confident steering and making turns, so take it slow and be patient with them.
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Tell your child to look ahead when they ride. It’s normal for kids to look down at the ground or at their handlebars when they’re first learning to ride. But it can make it harder for them to steer and ride in a straight line. Instead, have them look ahead, which will keep them balanced and make it easier for them to control the bike. [6] X Research source
- If your child starts to look down as they coast or ride, gently remind them to look up.
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Question 6 of 8:
What does a child need to start learning to ride a bike?
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They need a helmet that fits them well. While helmets are important for anyone riding a bike, they’re especially important for children. A well-fitting helmet helps protect your child’s face, head, and growing brain. Make sure the helmet covers their forehead and has straps that fasten it firmly to their head. [8] X Research source
- You can also choose a helmet that has reflective stickers and tape so other drivers can see your child on the road.
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They also need a bike that allows them to place both feet on the ground. The size of the bike your child uses can make a huge difference. Go with one that allows them to stand with both feet flat on the ground when they’re straddling the top bar of the bike. Additionally, make sure the seat, handlebars, and wheels are in good condition and fit tightly. [9] X Research source
- There should be about 1–3 inches (2.5–7.6 cm) of space between your child and the top bar of the bike.
- Check to make sure the brakes work well and the tires have enough air, too.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat if the child gives up after a few falls?Community AnswerDon't make him do it. Just take the bike back inside and try again another day. Only practice for a short time if he is not sure and stop if he shows any signs of unhappiness. Be encouraging.
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QuestionIs it possible for a beginner to ride a bike without falling off and without any help?THEMAN123456Community AnswerIt is possible, but it is really better if you first help them out when they begin just as a safety precaution.
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QuestionIs it possibe to ride with no safety equipment or outside help?Joseph_85Top AnswererSome kids have learned to ride on their own without training wheels and minimal supervision, but there should be a set place for any child doing so away from traffic. The driveway is a great location for this.
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Tips
- Keep things light and fun. Your child doesn’t have to master riding a bike in 1 day. Let them try for as long as they want and then give it another shot another time. Eventually, they’ll get it down!Thanks
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Warnings
- Always have your child wear a helmet whenever they’re riding a bike.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.bicycling.com/skills-tips/a20032688/never-make-these-7-mistakes-when-teaching-someone-to-ride/
- ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/how-to-teach-your-child-to-ride-a-bike-in-just-45-minutes-video-186586
- ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/how-to-teach-your-child-to-ride-a-bike-in-just-45-minutes-video-186586
- ↑ https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/school-age/how-to-teach-your-child-to-ride-a-bike/
- ↑ https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/school-age/how-to-teach-your-child-to-ride-a-bike/
- ↑ https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/school-age/how-to-teach-your-child-to-ride-a-bike/
- ↑ https://www.oregonlive.com/cycling/2013/05/learning_to_ride_teaching_an_o.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/bike-safety.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/bike-safety.html
About This Article
Article Summary
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To teach a child to ride a bike, start by having them push off with both feet in order to move forward. As they move forward, walk behind them with your hands lightly placed on their shoulders, back, or neck so you can catch them if they start to fall. Once your child is able to maintain their balance while gliding forward, teach them how to work the pedals by placing their feet in the 4 o’clock and 10 o’clock positions. Then, help them practice pushing down on the pedals to build momentum and move forward on their own. To learn more, like how to teach your child to steer and stop, read on!
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