A child’s first bike is usually one that comes with bicycle stabilisers so that toddlers can start cycling almost before they can walk using the additional wheels for balance, effectively turning the bike into a trike. Unlike a child’s trike, however, once the child is confident with steering, the stablisers can be removed, although the progression from aided to unaided cycling can be difficult for both child and parents.
This article offers some advice on the best way to teach a child to ride without stablisers safely.
Kids’ Bike Helmet and Cycle Clothing
The most important first step is to ensure the child is wearing a well fitting kids’ bike helmet. The appropriate cycle clothing should also be worn; flat shoes or trainers, trousers that do not drag on the floor or flap around and tops with sleeves to protect tiny bodies in the event of a fall.
Ensure the saddle is at the right height on the bike; it should be set low enough so that the child can sit on the saddle with both feet touching the ground, just while they get used to the feeling of having no stablisers for support.
Learning to Ride a Bike
Once the bike is set with the right saddle height, find a completely flat piece of ground with plenty of space around it and try the following:
- Hold the bike upright for support and let the child sit down on the bike.
- Keep one hand on the saddle and the other on the handlebar, let the child mount the cycle and then, letting go of the handlebar so the child has freedom to steer, let him/her start pedaling slowly.
- Run alongside the bike, maintaining support for the child by keeping a firm grip on the saddle or the child's shoulders; this is easier said than done especially if your child pedals faster!
- Make sure the child does not rock from side to side or pull the handlebars round making the bike unstable.
- Once the child feels confident, get a helper to stand a few meters away and let go of the saddle after the first few pedal strokes; the helper can catch the child if he/she overbalances and you will feel more confident to let go.
- Keep practicing until the child has perfect balance then encourage them to turn right and left, always reminding them to put a foot down if they feel they are likely to fall over.
Tips for Riding Without Stablisers
Follow these tips to make it easier to learn to balance when riding without stabilisers:
- Instead of removing the stablisers straightaway, adjust the height so that they are an inch or two off the ground; they can then be used as a safety net for the first few attempts as your child is learning to balance without training aids.
- For extra stability and to prevent sore backs for parents with slow-to-learn children, consider attaching a long handle made from a stick to the seat-stay; a good alternative to leaning over the bike to grip the child's shoulders.
- Consider buying some elbow and knee pads for extra protection; falls are inevitable and children will have more confidence if they know it won’t hurt so much when they do fall.
- Balance bikes offer an alternative way to teach children to ride a bicycle; without pedals they allow children to learn balance, co-ordination and key motor skills by instinct, meaning the transition to riding a bike without training aids is much easier.
- Reward children when they finally learn to ride a bicycle without any help; celebrate with a family cycling day out in the country.
Learn to Ride Without Bicycle Stabilisers
Wear appropriate cycle gear, including a safety helmet, and set the saddle at the right height to teach a child to learn to ride without bicycle stablisers. It can be tiring for parents running alongside the bike while their child learns, but with confidence and practice, kids will soon be riding without those training aids.
Related Articles:
Also of interest may be
- Balance Bikes – Best Way to Teach a Child to Ride a Bicycle
- How to Choose a Bike Attachment for Kids for Family Cycling
- Best Padded Bicycle Shorts for Kids
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
Join the Conversation