Balance Bikes: The New Way To Learn To Ride A Bike

Learning how to ride a bike is one of the biggest accomplishments in a young child's life. As a parent, you have the responsibility to teach your child to ride correctly and safely. It is also important to keep the learning process fun and free from pressure.

A balance bike can be a great tool to help your child learn how to ride a bike correctly. The purpose of a balance bike is to help the child learn proper balance and steering. A balance bike does not have pedals, gears or a crank set and chain. There are also no training wheels on a balance bike.

Balance bikes are great beginner bicycles, and they can be used by very young children. It it important to buy a balance bike in the correct size. Your child should be able to walk with both feet flat on the ground while sitting in the seat of their balance bike. After walking with the balance bike to get the feel for the bike, your child will learn how to cruise and steer his bike, and eventually will go from walking, to running on the bike to lifting up his/her feet and cruising along.

Learning on a balance bike normally makes the transition to a regular bicycle easier. Training wheels do not teach a child how to correctly balance herself, so it can be difficult for a child to learn to balance on a regular bicycle.

Before you begin teaching your child how to ride a bike, it is vital to have the correct safety equipment. A child should never ride a bike without a helmet. If you teach your child that helmet-wearing is mandatory, it will be easier to get him to consistently wear a helmet. Knee pads and elbow pads are also helpful tools for a new bike rider.

Once you have the proper safety equipment, you are ready to begin the bike riding lessons. First, make sure that the bicycle is adjusted properly. Your child's feet should reach the ground when she is sitting on the bike. This will allow her to catch herself if she falls off of the bike.

Tell your child to place his hands on the handlebars and his feet on the pedals. When he begins to pedal the bike, walk along with him to steady the bike. As he becomes more confident, you can let go of the handlebars for a few seconds at a time. He will likely be pedaling down the street confidently after just a few practice sessions.

Bike riding is a great family bonding activity. Grab your bicycle and enjoy riding alongside your child. You can also take family bike trips to the park, playground or another fun destination. In today's busy world, it is more important than ever to spend time together laughing and relaxing as a family.

Bike riding is a lot of fun, and it is also a wonderful form of exercise. Keeping your child active will decrease her risk of obesity and increase her overall health. Your child will also feel a sense of accomplishment and independence when she succeeds in learning how to ride her bicycle.

B Thomas is a Pediatric Nurse and a mom to three very energetic young boys. For more information on balance bikes go to www.toddlerbalancebikes.org