How to teach your children to ride a bike

[CyclingMummy]

I'm teaching my DD (age 4) to ride a pedal bike and DS (aged 2) to ride his balance bike. I've just seen these videos from CTC, the cycling charity (DH is a member) and I thought I'd share them as I have found them really helpful.

www.ctc.org.uk/article/teach-child-ride-balance-bike

and www.ctc.org.uk/guide/teach-child-ride-bike

Has anyone else got any tips?

Dd might be a little young to learn, but if she is quite tall and strong she will manage it. DD1 learnt when she was 4yrs, DD2 when she was 6yrs, we tried both at different times and when they were ready, they picked up in a day. So if it is taking too long they are probably not ready.

For us, we went to a wide open short green grassy space that was completely flat and wide. We had the bike checked so the child could firmly put their feet FLAT on the ground, this is important for feelings of safety for the child and their fingers could completely cover the brake. Next you need to run along with your hand on the child's back, one hand on the handle bars balancing them whilst they peddle in straight lines.
Do not attempt to go to the left or right or turn at this stage.
Being on grass it is harder to cycle, but definitely safer and will not put your child off when they fall off (which they will on numerous occasions) once they conquer the grass they will find it so easy to transition to the smooth surface of pavements and roads.

If you practice with your child running up and down and then gently remove your hand from the handle bars. Supporting by back afterwards.

Once this is achieved it is relatively easy to remove your hand from the back and they should be off. With lots of cheering and applause!

Then they can practice turning the bike and then braking. I would ensure they were completely confident on grass before moving to pavements etc.

PS Get dh/dp to help, it is very tiring! :)

Make sure the rider can reach the brake levers and can put their feet comfortably on the ground when seated on the saddle. Lower the saddle if necessary to the lowest setting.

For me that's the only key thing. They need to have the seat low enough that their feet can't miss the ground. The rest is blather. Balance bikes are nothing special, too.

Totally agree it is tiring! I think I will try and teach them separately with DH helping. I thought they might encourage each other if we went together. I think I will stick to the little and often approach.