Jessica Sapel

Learning to ride a bike can be a huge accomplishment in a child's life...it can also be one of the most frustrating for a child and whoever is trying to teach them.  Most parents run behind the bike holding on, find a moment to let go, and pray!  There are several other things you can do to help your child learn the skills necessary to ride a bike independently.

• Take off the training wheels, and the pedals if possible.  Have your child practice putting the kickstand up and down and climbing on and off the bike, with an adult steadying the bike as needed, trying to decrease the support as the child's confidence and success improve.  These activities increase your child's balance while standing on one foot, and their coordination for managing the bike with their hands while also moving their legs.

• Have your child "jump" side to side from one foot to the other while sitting on the seat.  This will help your child learn how far to either side they can keep their balance and also learn that they can put their foot down to catch themselves if they lose their balance

• Have your child sit on the seat, use their feet to push the bike forward and try to glide for a few seconds before putting their feet down.  Make sure there is open space and no obstacles.

• Set up cones in different shapes such as a line, square or circle, and have your child practice walking their bike through or around the cones while sitting on the seat so they learn to lean with their bike as it turns, instead of pulling their body in the other direction which may cause them to lose their balance.

In addition to these tips, it takes practice, practice, practice!