Bicycle Practice Methods

I'm an instructor at a cycling class, and I'm going to teach you how to practice riding a bike ♪

As children grow, more and more parents start teaching them to ride bikes around the age of 4.

However, many parents say, "I can ride a bike myself, but I don't know how to teach my child..."

Or, "No matter how much I teach them, they just don't get the hang of it..." We hear these concerns a lot.

I'd like to help solve these problems.

Please try practicing with the following methods!!

How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike: Lesson 1 - Balance

Developing Balance

Let's develop your sense of balance using a balance bike!

A balance bike is a two-wheeled vehicle without pedals.

The ones we use in our classes are 'Strider' models.

For ages 2-3, we use the sports model.

For ages 4-7, we use the 14x.

Practice pushing off with your feet and lifting them off the ground.

Let's aim for 5 seconds first! 🚲

How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike: Lesson 2 - Pedaling

Once they can balance, we'll move on to practicing pedaling with the bike.

First, practice placing your feet on the pedals.

Support the bike from the front and have your child place their feet on the pedals while the bike is stationary.

Repeat this several times so the child gets used to the feeling of placing their feet on the pedals.

Pay attention to the position of the foot on the pedal at this time!!!

Make sure they aren't pressing down with their heel! The ball of the foot (around the base of the big toe) should be centered on the pedal.

Once they can place their feet on the pedals well, practice moving forward and pedaling while you support them.

How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike: Lesson 3 - Let's Ride!

First, have them push off the ground with their feet like they did with the balance bike.

Then, lift their feet and place them on the pedals.

[Point] At first, help your child by pushing their back to assist with speed.

Bicycles are difficult to balance at low speeds, so until they can pedal well

By pushing their back, the bicycle becomes stable and the child can concentrate on placing their feet on the pedals.

Practice repeatedly and learn to ride a bicycle on your own!!

Finally...

The most important thing when practicing cycling is the bicycle's size.

By practicing with a size that fits your child's height, they will be able to ride it well.

When straddling the bicycle, how much of your feet are touching the ground??

Please check if you are only on your tiptoes.

When practicing, it is important that your heels are firmly on the ground.

Ideally, the height that allows your knees to form a slight 'V' shape while your heels are firmly on the ground is the easiest for practice.

If their feet are not firmly on the ground, children will feel fear towards the unfamiliar vehicle.

Therefore, by practicing at a height where their feet can firmly touch the ground, give them a sense of security and alleviate their fear of bicycles as much as possible.