So Junior wants to learn to ride a bike. He's probably ready, but are you? You may break into a cold sweat when you realize your child has outgrown his push toys and wants to migrate to a big boy or girl bike. How do you start? What do you look for? How can you keep your kid safe?
Relax, we've got you covered on your journey into the world of biking.
Start with the Basics
If your child has never ridden a bike before, start off with a Big Wheel or other low-to-the-ground vehicle just to get them learning how to pedal and get a feel for the motions. You may want to even try a pushbike, which has no pedals but simply works on balance. Tricycles are the next step, which can go a long way toward teaching your child the mechanics of pedaling and steering, according to ConsumerSearch. On trikes, kids can easily learn to control their motion using their legs, and can learn to direct themselves with their arms. After your child has mastered the tricycle, it's time to purchase an actual bike. Again, start cautiously, and use training wheels while they adjust to the bigger frame of a bicycle.
Choosing a Bike
Usually, kids give up their training wheels by age four or five, says Better Homes and Gardens (BHG), as they now have the balance and coordination to ride without them. BHG recommends buying an inexpensive beginner's bike featuring a single gear and a foot brake, as these take less coordination than bicycles with hand brakes and several gears. The bike should fit your child's frame, so you might need to test-ride a few at the bike or toy store before you make a purchase. One way to know you have a good fit is that your child can put both feet on the ground while standing over the crossbar. Just make sure there's an inch or so to spare in between.
While bike riding is certainly a trial-by-error process in many respects, there's also a method to teaching them how to ride. BHG recommends starting the lesson on a slight hill. About halfway up, position the bike with the pedals level, sitting your child on the seat with his feet on the ground. Instruct them to lift their feet and roll to the bottom, using their feet to control his speed. Walk back up the hill and repeat as many times as necessary, eventually starting at the top of the hill. Your child can then start to apply the brake after the hill levels out, and when they've got that down, they can try some gentle left and right turns at the bottom.
Rules of the Road
When your child embarks on their first biking excursion, it's important to let them know the rules. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests setting limits on where you allow your kids to ride, depending on their age and maturity level. Always supervise young children, and keep them off busy roads: bike rides on a quiet road or in your driveway are best. Make sure your child has a properly fitting helmet that has been approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Some rules of the road to follow include riding with traffic, looking both ways before crossing the street, stopping at all intersections, and using hand signals before turning. Check the condition of your child's bike regularly, inspecting their tires, brakes, seat, and handlebar height often.
This article was provided by Marty Chavez, active engineer and proud father. If your child or someone you know has been involved in bicycle accidents, Marty urges to seek legal counsel.
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