Riding a bike without training wheels may worry your child at first, but with some gentle encouragement, patience and the right bike, teaching kids to ride without training wheels can be an exciting way to spend an afternoon. Once your child becomes comfortable with riding, you'll be able to take family bike rides and spend time together while staying fit and teaching your child about the importance of daily activity.
Step 1
Choose the right bike. If the bike is too large or too small, the balance and dynamics could make it difficult for your child to learn. When choosing a kid's bike, make sure he can stand with both feet planted firmly on the ground with his legs over the center bar, according to REI Outfitters. You may need to raise or lower the seat for a comfortable fit while in the seated position as well.
Step 2
Look for a grassy area to begin teaching, suggests the San Francisco Biking Coalition. While you can use a hard area, it could leave your child open to bumps and bruises if she falls off. To teach, look for an area with a slight incline and short grass. If you plan on teaching on a hard surface such as pavement, you should look for a flatter area.
Step 3
Hold the bike while your child mounts the bicycle. Instruct him to place his feet on the pedals, assuring him the whole time that you are holding on. Give the bike a slight push to begin the motions of the pedals and talk to your child about applying pressure. Watch carefully as he begins to pedal on his own, but keep your hand firmly in place until you're sure he has the motion down and is confident in his movements.
Step 4
Explain the function of the brakes as you push your child along. Have her test the brakes several times. Tell her that she doesn't need to put her feet down to stop, and it could injure her if she's going too fast.
Step 5
Push the bike over to a slight incline and continue to push for a moment, and then let go. Continue talking to your child as you were before, and don't let him know that you're no longer holding onto the back of the bike. Make sure the incline isn't too steep or he'll go too quickly and could become frightened. When you get to the bottom of the incline, tell your child that you weren't holding on. Go back to the start and try again.
Step 6
Offer encouraging words, especially if your child falls. Explain that helmets and pads help keep her safe when falling and that many people fall on bicycles so she doesn't feel embarrassed.
Step 7
Reiterate the safety rules to your child, especially as he becomes confident in his riding abilities, suggests the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. When he learns to ride, he may want to do it more often. Talk about street signs, safety equipment and any rules, such as only riding when an adult is present. Then, practice riding for the rest of the day.
Things You'll Need
- Helmet
- Knee and elbow pads
