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How Can I Teach My Child to Ride a Bike?
By Mr. Bike
I'm looking for tips on how to teach a child to ride a bike
(without training wheels).
Scott B.
Scott:
First, find a wide, flat, hard surface (such as a deserted parking
lot or basketball court).
Next, use a bicycle that has hand brakes and on which the student
can place both feet flat on the ground without severe knee-bending.
Put the bike in a low gear and remove the pedals.
Seat the student (with helmet) on the bicycle. Then, walking alongside,
coach them:
1. The student pushes the bike forward using their feet. Practice
stopping by squeezing the brake levers.
2. Practice pushing the bike around using their feet.
3. As they move the bike forward steadily, try a brief lifting of
the feet.
4. While the bike moves forward, try a longer lifting of the feet.
When the bike starts to fall, try pointing the front wheel in that
direction.
5. Try an even longer lifting of the feet: if it seems the bike
moves too slowly for balance, start from the top of an incline or
the instructor should push from the back of the seat. Repeat until
the student learns balance.
6. Attach the pedals. How to start the bike using pedals: (1) Sit
on bike, feet on ground; (2) position the first foot slightly out
and lean the bike to that side; (3) move the pedal on the opposite
side to 10 o’clock; (4) put the second foot on 10 o’clock
pedal; (5) push off; (6) pedal the second foot down to 7 o’clock;
(7) put the first foot on the pedal.
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7. Practice braking: (1) Stop pedaling; (2) brace arms; (3) squeeze
brake levers gradually; (4) while stopping, put one foot down and
lean to that side.
8. Do free-form riding to practice steering.
9. Practice steering around obstacles.
Mr BikeSend your questions to Mr. Bike at mrbike@biketraffic.org.
Mr. Bike (Dave Glowacz) serves as the director of education for
the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, and has taught hundreds of now-savvy
cyclists. Find his popular book, Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips,
at bookstores and on-line via www.mrbike.com and www.biketraffic.org.
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