How to get him to pedal?

Question

My son is almost four and he can pedal a tricycle inside the house great and outside, but he can not pedal his bike with training wheels outside. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.

Answer 1

Why do you want him to grow up so fast? Give him another year or two. Geez, he's only (3) "almost four." Let him ride his tricycle for awhile before you sign him up for the Tour.

Answer 2

I wouldn't force the issue.    When it intrigues him, he'll do it.  

Sooner or later he'll see someone else riding and decide that's the thing to do.  

Up until four, Junior showed no interest, then started riding it on his fourth birthday, and the next day insisted we take off the "sissy training wheels".  Go figure.

Answer 3

uhmm maybe you could put him on an exercise bike and tell his its almost the same as a real bike

Answer 4

What do you mean exactly by 'cannot'? Is it that the amount of effort for him is too great or he just wont pedal. There is a difference between a trike which relies only on direct force applied to the front wheels (ie front wheel drive) on a standard bike it is rear wheel drive via the chain and it requires more effort. The tyres are usually thicker(more resistance), the training wheels make it heavier, also the set up may be incorrect. If the training wheels are not set correctly then that may be hindering the amount of grip the rear wheel has with the ground so their is not enough force been applied to the ground.

Also is it a new bike, check to make sure that you can spin the wheels by hand easily and that the pedlas go round easily too. Maybe the brakes are misaligned/wheels not quite straight so this will effect been able to pedal at such a young age.

As others have said he is only a nipper so will need to strengthen his legs to get him up to speed. Don't push him too hard & don't get cross with him just encourage him to try and maybe give him a nudge forward to get his momentum going.

Good luck

Answer 5

Give him a break. The kid is four. He will learn on his own. Just let him have fun, because if your turn it into a lesson, he won't want to ride.

Keep it in the big ring.