How to Teach a Child to Ride a Tricycle
Teaching your child to ride his first bike is one of the many joys of parenthood. The first step in that process is teaching your child to ride a tricycle. Children who have mastered riding a tricycle can learn more quickly to ride a two-wheeled bike. They have essentially learned two of the three main components to riding a bike: steering and pedaling. The third component is balance, but we'll leave that for later.
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Instructions
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Verify that you have the correct size tricycle for your child. Your child will be able to put her feet flat on the ground when the tricycle is not moving if it is the right size. Tricycles lower to the ground are sturdier and less likely to tip.
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Teach your child to correctly put on his helmet. The strap should fit snugly under their chin and should snap lock for a comfortable fit.
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Explain and show your child how to properly sit on the tricycle. You can also demonstrate how to stand on the back with one foot and push with the other if the tricycle has a back step.
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Position the child on the tricycle, including placing her feet on the pedals. Push down on one of the pedals with your hand to show the child how the tricycle propels forward. You can also give her a small push from behind while their feet on the pedals. As the pedals move, your child legs will start to learn the pedaling motion through muscle memory.
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Teach your child to steer by turning the handlebars either right or left while the tricycle is in motion. Steering is a fairly easy concept for most children and is mostly learned through experience.
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Demonstrate how to use the bike's brakes to slow and stop if the bike has them. Many tricycles do not, so the child will learn to use their feet for slowing and braking.
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Supervise your child as they learn to ride the tricycle. Teach him to watch where they are going and to maneuver around obstacles.
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Tips & Warnings
Teach your child safety tips and proper biking considerations while you are supervising. Safety tips and practices can never be learned too early.
Be patient with your child. As with any new skill, learning may take time and practice.
Children and adults of any age should wear a proper-fitting helmet while riding a tricycle or bicycle.
Never let your child ride her tricycle in or around streets or any other hazards, such as pools or alleyways.
