How to Ride a Bike: Teaching Tips

The hardest part of riding a bicycle is learning how to balance. I've used this technique to teach children and adults to balance and then ride a bike.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An age appropriate bike. Don't get one that's too big.
• Safety equipment such as a helmet and elbow pads.
• Shoes are a must, no sandals or slippers.

1. 
    
   Take off the training wheels.

   If your child has been using training wheels for a while, then they are ready to learn how to balance. They already know how to pedal, stop and turn. Have them show you how they can GO FAST, GO SLOW, TURN and STOP with the training wheels. Next, take off the training wheels! Yep, take them off.

2. 
    
   Remove pedal with a wrench, go opposite the direction of the pedaling motion.

   Take off the pedals. Yes, really! Take off the pedals. We're going to learn how to balance while moving, then we'll put it all together again.

3. 
    

   Lower the seat so your child can easily reach the ground while seated on the bike seat.

4. 
    

   Very Important!!! Play a "scoot" game with your child. Use the word GAME when describing this! The goal of the game is to see how far on the sidewalk your child can scoot using their feet. Take turns with your child. Use the squares on the sidewalk to make it into a contest of who can scoot the farthest and use only three scoots or pushes with their feet. A scoot is a push with both feet. If they tip over, just remind them that they can use their feet to catch themselves.

5. 
    

   Play this scoot game for a little bit then suggest a new GAME. This time let's see who can scoot the farthest with only one scoot. Let them know that they can go farther if they scoot and then lift their legs up. Repeat this game until your child can go about 10 feet or so. Race down the street together scooting down and back. Remind them that if they keep their feet up they can go farther. A Running Scoot Game is also fun too. Just pretend like you're running while seated. Each step pushes the bike forward.

6. 
    

   They now know how to balance through playing the "Scoot Game." Put the pedals back on, leave the seat low for the next few days. Different children may need more or less time depending how strong their legs are. Keep playing the scoot game with the pedals off if your child can't go the 10 feet. Be patient and say "great job" a lot to encourage them. You can tell when they can balance since they'll be scooting all over the place.

7. 
    

   Have your child sit on the bike seat. Ask them if they know how to make the bike go and stop. Have them pedal while you jog behind them supporting them. Gain some speed and then they will be able to balance. Too slow and they'll tip over. Have them slow down and then put their leg down to stop. Start again with a big push on the pedals. Keep jogging behind them, hold on less and less as they get better then LET GO. Clap your hands and yell GREAT JOB as they ride away. Give instructions on slowing down, turning and coming back.

8. 
    

   Be extremely supportive of any progress and really support them. Get the camera and take a picture or two to share with your friends and family. Make your child feel really proud of this moment ... because its a really huge moment in your child's life!!! Now go take a bike ride with your kids! Have fun and be safe.

Tips & Warnings

• Age appropriate bike is required, don't use an adult bike as it will lead to bad falls and discourage/frustrate your child.
• Building confidence goes hand in hand with riding a bike.
• Safety gear should be worn at all times while riding a bike.
• Be sure to use a flat smooth surface such as an empty parking lot. No cars allowed!!!