How to Teach A Child to Ride A Bike?

You never forget how to ride a bike, but most of us forget how hard it was to learn.     1    . Here’s what to keep in mind when instructing little ones from two feet to two wheels.

Begin with the right equipment. Start with a bicycle that’s the right size. A newbie should be able to sit on the seat with both feet flat on the ground. If the child has been using a bike with training wheels, remove them.     2    . Long pants and long-sleeved shirts aren’t a bad idea, either, to prevent injury in the event of a fall.

    3    . Head to a location that has smooth, flat, open pavement and little or no traffic to distract or endanger your child. It helps if there’s no one around, too, so he won’t feel self-conscious. The ideal spot? A school parking lot on the weekend.

Emphasize the basics. The fundamentals of biking are balance, coasting, pedaling, and steering. To help a child learn these basic skills, remember to show how to do that in the flesh and dare to let him try. No doubt there will be more than a few stops and starts and maybe even a fall or two.     4    .

Now practice a lot. After a fair number of dry runs, it’s time to move to the big stage. Find a bike path or a little-travelled street in a residential neighbourhood.     5    . Bike along with him to check that he’s using proper safety techniques and feels comfortable pedaling in traffic.