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Children on bikes How to teach your children to ride a bike

Are you wondering when and how to teach your children to ride a bike? There is no right or wrong age to start riding a bike. All children can learn to ride a bike without training wheels, the important thing is to be patient and know how to encourage them. In this article we will explain how best to do this so that you can enjoy cycling with your children as soon as possible.

By following these simple steps, you can teach children a skill that, once acquired, they will never lose again. With these five steps, your children will learn to ride a bike effectively and without fear.

1. CHOOSING THE RIGHT BIKE

First of all it is essential to find a bike that is suitable for your child, the right size. It is not a good idea to buy bikes that are too big 'for when they grow up'. Remove the wheels, if present. Then unscrew the pedals. Lower the saddle so that your child can touch the ground with the sole of his or her foot. Knowing that he/she can regain control by placing his/her feet on the ground, the child will feel more secure. Don't forget the helmet and, if desired, knee pads. Ready? Here we go!

2. FINDING THE BALANCE

Sitting on the saddle, the child should begin to become familiar with the bike, initially by 'walking' on it. When he/she feels that he/she has sufficient control of the bike, he/she should try a gentle descent, stretching his/her legs and keeping his/her feet off the ground. At this stage, the child will learn about the first satisfaction of riding a bike, and it is here that the fun will begin.

3. PEDALING

Once you have learnt to keep your balance, the time comes to approach pedalling. At this point, you should remount the pedals, keeping the saddle at the same height. Then, help your child to stand on the bike with one foot firmly on the ground and the other on the pedal. From here, teach your child to put pressure on the pedal to make the bike move. You can accompany the bike for the first few metres, but it is best for children to find their own balance.

4. BRAKE

Once pedalling is established, you can move on to the next stage: braking. Show your son/daughter how the brakes work, the rear brakes and the front brakes. At first he/she will be able to brake with his/her feet, later he/she will increasingly start to use the brakes with his/her hands. It is a good idea to carry out the first trials on level ground: your child will be able to brake without risk. Then, when he/she starts to get the hang of it, invite him/her to try braking but, this time, while pedalling down a gentle slope.

5. HAVING FUN

And here we go, the time begins for practising and having fun together by studying routes and organising small trips, also in the company of other friends. It is important to keep motivation high by explaining to your son/daughter everything that he/she can do on his/her bike very soon (a complete tour of a park or lake, for example). Children should always be encouraged with positive feedback, so as to nurture their confidence and passion for cycling.

Have you read all the steps carefully? Start teaching your children to ride a bike now! The sooner you start, the sooner you can enjoy cycling with them. Ready, set, go!