How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike Without Training Wheels

Riding a bike without training wheels is a very exciting time for both child and parent(s). Most children learn to ride their bike without training wheels around the age of 5 or 6. However, it can also be frustrating when you aren't quite sure how to help your child learn independently. Here are a few tips for succeeding in training wheel removal.

Things You'll Need

• Combination wrench
• Child elbow pads & knee pads
• Child bike helmet
• Patience

Instructions

1. 

   Explain to your child that it's time to try riding his bike without training wheels. Tell him that you'll be there with him as he rides his bike, to ease his fears. Guide your child step by step, telling him how you will be helping him ride his bike without training wheels. Help him to fully understand his role and what support you will be offering. Having a plan will make your child feel safe.

2. 

   Prepare your child by helping him put on a bike helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. Explain that he will be protected by these things...you will ease his mind. Be sure that your child has a good pair of sneakers on and proper weather attire, depending on the season.

3. 

   Take your child outside. Remove the training wheels from your child's bike using a combination wrench. Hold the bike in place and allow your child to sit on it without training wheels, with your support. Let him feel what the bike is like without the training wheels. Show your child how he must steady himself by leaning side to side to keep the bike balanced. Let him practice with you holding the bike.

4. 

   Have your child start riding his bike, with you holding on to the seat. Allow your child a little freedom to balance the bike back and forth on his own (you're still holding the bike). Practice with him until he starts to learn how to maneuver the bike. When you feel your child has the hang of balancing the bike, let go and run behind him. Hint: your child will fall a few times...that's what the bike helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads are for.

5. 

   Here is the best tip ever for helping your child ride his bike without training wheels...purchase a Ready Rider training handle. It attaches right to the back of your child's bike and offers him support as he learns to ride without training wheels. Best part is, you save your back from bending over. You can purchase one of these online (see resource list below) or at Wal-Mart for around $15. My 4-year-old son learned to ride his bike in a half and hour without training wheels by using this product!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your child's bike with the right height for his body (you can adjust the seat)...be sure he can reach the ground on his tippy toes.

• Some children can learn to ride a bike without training wheels as early as 4-years-old...most children are comfortable at age 5 or 6.

• Never let your child ride his bike without a helmet...it's dangerous and it's the law in most states.

• Don't push your child to ride his bike without training wheels...this will only scare him...instead, encourage him and allow him to go at his own pace.

Resources

• Ready Rider: The Fun, Easy, SAFE Way to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bicycle!
• One Step Ahead: Ready Rider
• Ready Rider Child Bicycle Training Handle