Some people may forget how difficult it was to learn how to ride a bicycle. After all, it's an old adage that once you learn to ride a bicycle, you never forget. That makes it sound easy. While remembering how to ride a bicycle may come naturally, actually learning to ride one is not always an easy task. The initial focus for parents or caregivers in teaching a kid how to ride a bicycle is safety. The bicycle should be mechanically sound and your child should wear a protective helmet. But, given a good bike and a helmet, learning how to ride a bike can be made easier by following a few simple steps.
Step 1
Start your lessons by teaching the kid how to ride on a bicycle with training wheels. Some people may suggest that a child learn directly without the training wheels, but training wheels allow time for the kid to mature and gain better control of balance.
Step 2
Select an appropriate area for riding lessons when the kid is ready to learn how to ride a bicycle without training wheels. Some people suggest learning on pavement such as an empty parking lot. Pavement provides a smoother surface that is flat, but a grassy yard provides a softer cushion in case of a fall. If you're not sure, try the grassy yard and get the first few falls out of the way.
Step 3
Position the child on the bike while holding it. The child's feet should be on the pedals and the hands on the handlebars. Explain how pedaling will help propel the bike forward, and a bike that is moving forward is easier to balance than a bike at a standstill. You can provide an example by briefly letting go of the bike while it is at a standstill and while it is moving.
Step 4
Help the child's balance by keeping a hand on the back of the seat, giving it a little push to get the kid going. Eventually, let go of the seat. If the child falls, help the child up and continue until the kid can pedal the bike and keep it going without falling.
Tips and Warnings
- One of the ways a parent or caretaker knows that a kid is ready for the training wheels to be taken off is when the kid actually suggests that they be taken off. This is a sign the child is ready.
- There can be bumps, scrapes and bruises incurred when learning how to ride a bicycle. Have a first aid kit ready.
Things You'll Need
- Bicycle
- Training wheels
- Safety helmet
- First aid kit
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