How to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike in a Day

Teaching your child to ride a bike is a task all parents face sooner or later. There are several different approaches to this process. With the right tips and information, teaching a child to ride a bike can be an enriching process and a bonding experience for you both.

Things You'll Need

• Bike
• Helmet
• Knee pads
• Elbow pads
• Wrist guards

Instructions

1. 

   Bike with training wheels.

   Choose a bike with a seat that can be lowered so your child can have both feet flat on the ground while seated. Detach the training wheels. Tuck in your child's shoelaces so in case they become untied, they won't get tangled in the bike chain.

2. 

   Children should always wear a bike helmet when riding.

   Obtain proper padding, as your child may be falling off a lot at first and could injure himself. A helmet is essential, and knee pads, wrist guards and elbow pads are ideal.

3. 

   Find a long, flat stretch of pavement in an isolated location. Make sure it is not rocky/bumpy, and is away from cars.

4. 

   Hold the bike steady as your child mounts the bike. Teach him to place both feet flat on the ground to balance himself. As you let go of the bike and he's standing, nothing should happen--he should remain standing.

5. 

   Instruct the child to lift his feet off the ground while you have a firm hold on the bike. Jog alongside him as he begins to pedal and get his feel for balancing on the bike. After your child becomes comfortable with this, have him pedal by himself with you jogging along side as a precaution in case he should take a tumble.

1. Practice the different elements of bike riding. Have your child practice turning, using the brakes and starting from a standstill.

2. Go on a bike ride with your child and put his new skills to use. Teach him to pull over to the side of the road and stop his bike when a car drives by and other key safety elements.

3. Have your child practice on his own, without him knowing that you are keeping a close watch. Stay close by as he experiments without your guidance and learns to be an independent bike rider.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child keeps his knees close to the bike, it will be easier for him to balance.

• Give your child lots of praise as he is learning to ride.

• Don't trick your child into thinking you are holding onto the bike when you're not. This takes away all of his trust and confidence and replaces it with fear, dragging out the process. Tell him that you are going to let go before you do, and don't let go if he doesn't want you to.

References

• IBike.org: Tips for Teaching Bicycling/Learning to Bicycle Ride
• REI.com: Teaching a Child How to Ride a Bike