Teaching a child to ride a bike in a day could possibly overwhelm you and your child, but you both can accomplish this. With patience and perseverance, you can help your child start to master the skill of bicycle riding. Make sure the bike fits your child and he wears properly fitting safety gear while learning to ride. You might even consider gloves and kneepads to help minimize the bumps and bruises that are often associated with the beginning rider.
Step 1
Lower the bike saddle so your child's feet are flat on the ground when sitting on the bike. Remove the pedals from the bike so they do not interfere with your child's feet.
Step 2
Take your child and his bike to a grassy field, 30 to 50 yards long with a gentle slope. Have your child wear his helmet and tuck his shoelaces into his shoes.
Step 3
Go to the top of the grassy slope. Hold the bike while your child sits on the saddle with both feet flat on the ground.
Step 4
Let go of the bike and tell your child to lift his feet 1 inch off the ground, letting the bike slowly roll down the slope. Instruct your child to try to keep his feet off the ground while attempting to balance the bike. Let him know that it is OK to touch the ground with his feet when necessary. The objective is to learn to balance the bike. Repeat rolling down the slope until your child no longer feels the need to place his feet on the ground.
Step 5
Reattach the pedals. Start at the top of the slope and have your child place his feet on the pedals and coast down the slope without pedaling. Repeat this until your child feels comfortable with his balance and can keep his feet on the pedals as he coasts across the field.
Step 6
Move back to the top of the slope and ask your child to pedal across the field. Have him repeat this exercise until he is comfortable and can pedal across the field without putting his feet on the ground.
Step 7
Add braking to the pedaling of the bike. Starting again at the top of the slope, have your child pedal and brake with both hands while crossing the field. Have him repeat this until he feels comfortable with stopping the bike.
Step 8
Start turning by having your child pedal on the flat surface of the field, moving the bike in a large circle. Have her slowly make the circle smaller then repeat this exercise in the opposite direction until she feels comfortable turning the bike. Reassure your child that it is OK to place her feet on the ground when she feels the need.
Tips and Warnings
- Walk alongside your child without touching him as he begins each exercise.
Things You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Bike helmet
- Kneepads
- Gloves
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