Many children enjoy riding scooters, tricycles and bicycles. As your child grows older, he will eventually want you to remove the training wheels from his bike. He may be ready between the ages of 3 and 6. Regardless of his age, he will experience a feeling of freedom when he is able to successfully ride a bicycle without training wheels. Help your child get off to a secure and confident start by using proven techniques.
Instructions
Step 1
Watch your child ride his bike with training wheels before beginning the teaching process. If both training wheels touch the ground, raise the wheels slightly. Sheldon Brown, writing for Harris Cyclery, says the higher height of the training wheels causes the bike to be a bit off-balance, forcing your child to learn balance. Brown also recommends quickly moving your child to a bicycle without training wheels because of the potential for falls as he rides faster.
Step 2
Assess your child's readiness and enthusiasm. Make sure she knows how to turn corners, look ahead while riding and use the brakes appropriately. Then, remove the training wheels from your child's current bike, or purchase an appropriate-sized bike without training wheels. Involve your child in this process to gauge her level of excitement. Be aware of any anxiety. Keep the training wheels and screws together should you need to put them back on.
Step 3
Find a suitable location for the training sessions. The REI website recommends finding a large open area that is free of obstructions, such as a basketball or tennis court, a paved park area or a wide driveway. If you cannot find a paved area that is safe, locate a flat open field to practice bicycle riding.
Step 4
Inspect the bike for mechanical soundness, and make certain your child has on his helmet, long sleeves and long pants before you begin. Have your child sit on the bike, and lower the seat so his feet touch the ground. Encourage him to scoot the bike forward with his feet to gain balance. Next, have him lift his feet off the ground while moving forward, so he begins coasting. Do not rush him, since finding his balance point may take several attempts.
Step 5
Begin the next session by telling your child she will now use the pedals. Review coasting, and then have her put one foot at a time on a pedal and coast. When walking alongside her, do not hold on to the bike's handlebars, but rather put your hand lightly on her shoulder. Once she is comfortable, have her put both feet on the pedals and coast while you count to 10.
Step 6
Move from coasting to pedaling. When your child begins to pedal the bike, encourage him to pedal smoothly and quickly. The forward movement, combined with the quick pedaling, will help him balance. Run alongside him to help catch him when he falls, and show him how to put his foot down to catch himself. Once he pedals and balances well, make certain he can turn, stop and slow down on hills.
Tips and Warnings
- Read books or rent a DVD on bicycle safety. If he does not feel confident, put the training wheels back on, and try again later. Bring a friend or sibling along to demonstrate the pushing and coasting technique. Ride in a location with a very slight incline to help him get going.
- Never ride in a heavily trafficked area. Set a good example by always wearing a helmet yourself.
Things You'll Need
- Bicycle
- Helmet
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