Getting Ready to Teach a Child How to Ride - Bicycle Warehouse

Getting Ready to Teach a Child How to Ride

1 min read
Published: June 30, 2016
Updated: November 26, 2024

Let's get kids excited about riding bikes! 

Choosing a Kid’s Bike

Don't buy a too-large bike that your child will eventually "grow into." 

Getting the correct fit is making sure that your child can stand over the top tube with both feet planted on the ground. They should feel comfortable and in control of the bike at all times.

Choosing and Fitting a Bike Helmet

The bike helmet should sit level across the middle of the forehead, no more than 1" above the eyebrows. If the helmet sits high on the forehead, or moves more than 1" when you push the helmet from side to side or front to back, you need to adjust the fit or you may need to buy a different size.

Where to Teach Bike Riding

Choose a traffic-free area where a child can learn to ride safely. Find a place that is large, flat, smooth and paved. Try a driveway, park path, school blacktop or empty parking lot. Empty tennis or basketball courts work as well! 

Preparing the Bike

Try balancing first, and pedaling second.  Balance bikes works great for this, but it's no problem if you start them off with pedals. Make sure the seat is adjusted properly for their height. Then, make sure the tires are inflated and ready to roll. 

Let the fun of riding a bike begin! 

 

 

 

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Encouraging your child to ride a bike when they’re young helps to set up some safe fitness patterns that are likely to stick with them for life. Riding a bike not only promotes physical fitness but it also supports the growth of learning and mental wellbeing for your kids. If your child is afraid at first when learning how to bike, you can buy a balance bike for training. Balance bikes are a modern trend in bikes to help educate children on bike riding on two wheels rather than using training wheels or a tricycle. You can check Netparents for great reviews of a balance bike that you might be interested in.

Amber Lane

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