Advice for teaching a kid to cycle?

Question

Hi my 4 1/2 yr old has now decided that she doesn't want her stabilisers (training wheels) on her bike. I'm looking for tips to make the transition to two wheels easier.

Any tips greatly appreciated.

Thanks xx

Answer 1

Well, first put her safety gear[helmet, elbow &knee pads] on. Then, help her up on her bike and hold the bike while she is riding. Walk behind her as you are doing this. DO NOT START ON A HILL! Then, let go and see if she can pedal on her own. Keep on doing this until success. This worked for my grandaughters' stepsister.

Answer 2

Tennis courts and knee pads- if you have protective gloves-it helps. Knees and hands are the places most likely to be skinned.

Kudos's to you Mom for having such a daring daughter at only 4 1/2! Today bikes-tomorrow ...well, it will probably be the bike still but after that who knows!?!

Answer 3

make sure she's wearing a helmet as she'll fall often. help her start cycling and then let go. it's easier once you've got a bit of speed going.

Answer 4

Walk behind her and hold the bike up while she is riding until she can do it on her own. Make sure to do this in an empty parking lot  or on a sidewalk.

Answer 5

Keep the bike as steady as you can then let her go.  If you are so inclined you can protect her with knee/shin and elbow pads and don't forget the helmet.

Answer 6

It can help to have the seat low enough that your child can put their feet down if necessary.  It's less scary that way, and when you reduce the fear factor it's a little easier to learn.

Answer 7

Right, first thing is she needs to get the balance right. I did this with my son and it worked within minutes. No Joke! I got him to dit on his seat with both his feet on the ground, then faced him slighly down hill. then simply got him to walk the bike down the yard. By the time he got half way down he felt confident enough to pedal, and that was that. he never looked back.