How to Ride a Bicycle Without Training Wheels

A typical adult bike, without training wheels.

Taking the training wheels off a bicycle is almost a right of passage. Though it can be challenging to learn ride this way, it is necessary: adult size bicycles do not come with training wheels, so you will have trouble finding a bike when you outgrow your smaller bike. Though it may be challenging at first, riding a bicycle without training wheels will become second nature if you put in time to practice and learn the skill.

Things You'll Need

• 15 millimeter socket wrench
• Helmet

Instructions

1. Remove the training wheels from the bicycle. On most bicycles, you can do this by using a 15 millimeter socket wrench to loosen the bolts holding the training wheels on. Once these are removed, snuggly tighten the bolts back down onto the wheel using the wrench.

2. Hold onto the bicycle's handlebars and throw your leg over the bicycle's top tube in order to straddle the bike. Ideally, you should start on completely flat, smooth asphalt. Put your right foot onto the pedal while leaving the other foot on the ground. Ease yourself onto the bicycle's seat.

3. Kick your left foot off the ground in order to get the bicycle rolling underneath you, then lift the foot up onto the pedal and begin pedaling. If your bicycle has multiple gears, it should be in an easier--but not the easiest--gear. This will ensure you do not max out your bicycle's gears on flat ground.

4. Practice holding your momentum by riding the bicycle in a straight line while pedaling. When you feel comfortable, stop pedaling and let the bicycle coast underneath you. Begin pedaling again once the bicycle loses momentum and begins to feel unstable. Do not let the bicycle lose all of its momentum, as this will cause you to fall over.

5. Begin turning the bicycle in circles while pedaling. Do not make sharp turns, but rather slow, wide turns. This will help you get used to turning without training wheels. Make sure not to stop pedaling while turning; though this may feel uncomfortable at first, it is an essential skill to practice.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel uncomfortable starting to ride, hold on to something to stabilize you as you mount the bicycle, until you are ready to let go and start pedaling.

• Always wear a helmet when you are learning to ride without training wheels. There is a danger of crashing while practicing, and helmets are important to keep you safe.

References

• Sheldon Brown: Teaching Kids to Ride