Mistakes to Avoid When Teaching Your Child to Ride a Bike

Is your child learning how to ride a bike? This guide explains what to avoid in order to protect your children and keep them safe on the road whilst they learn to ride a bike.

Teaching a child to ride a bike is hard and it’s easy to buy the wrong bike size or ignore proper riding techniques.  

As Bike Club we want to help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure your child gets off to a racing start on two wheels. 

Using Stabilisers instead of Balance Bikes 

Stabilisers have traditionally been the go-to for teaching kids to ride, but they can actually delay the learning process. 

This is because stabilisers create a false sense of security for children learning to ride. They support the bike upright, allowing the child to focus on pedalling but not on balancing. This delay in learning balance can make the transition to riding without stabilisers more difficult and intimidating. 

Balance bikes, on the other hand, are designed to help children learn balance and coordination first. They allow kids to focus on balancing rather than pedalling, which is the critical skill needed for riding a bike. By using a balance bike, children develop confidence and control, making the transition to a pedal bike much smoother.

Choosing the Wrong Bike Size

Selecting the right bike size is crucial. A bike that is too big or too small can make learning to ride challenging and uncomfortable for your child. 

To get a bike that fits perfectly, you should get your child’s inside leg measurement, and then you can use our filters to see which bikes will fit. 

At Bike Club, we ensure that your child always has the right-sized bike for their age and height through our subscription service. When your child outgrows their current bike, you can simply exchange it for the next size up. 

Ignoring Proper Riding Techniques

Teaching your child proper riding techniques from the start is essential. For a balance bike, teach them how to hold the bike upright and gradually get them pushing along the ground with their feet. 

For first pedal bikes, this includes showing them how to start and stop smoothly, how to steer, and how to use the brakes effectively. Hold them under the arms initially, until they can pedal and manoeuvre solo. 

Often, parents might overlook these basics, assuming children will pick them up naturally. However, providing guidance on these techniques will help your child ride more safely and confidently.

Pushing Them to Learn Too Hard, Too Fast

It's natural to want to see your child progress quickly, but pushing them too hard can lead to frustration and put them off cycling. 

Every child learns at their own pace, and it's important to be patient and encouraging. Allow your child to practice in short, frequent sessions rather than long, intense ones. 

Celebrate small victories and give them constant encouragement to build their confidence.

Neglecting a Helmet and Precautions

Safety should of course be a top priority when teaching your child to ride a bike. Ensure they are equipped with a well-fitting helmet as a minimum. 

Additionally, choose safe, open areas away from traffic and obstacles for practice. Quiet roads, parks, empty car parks, or wide dedicated bike paths are ideal spots.

Frequently Asked Questions about Learning to Ride a Bike

What is the best age for a child to start learning to ride a bike?

The ideal age for a child to start learning to ride a bike can vary, but many children are ready to begin exploring balance bikes around the age of 2 to 3 years old (or even as early as 18 months if they can stand). These bikes help them develop the necessary balance and coordination. By the age of 4 to 6 years, most children can start transitioning to a pedal bike. However, it's important to consider your child's individual development.

How do I choose the right bike size for my child?

Choosing the right bike size for your child involves measuring their inside leg and comparing it to the bike's recommended range. Your child should be able to touch the ground with their feet while sitting on the saddle. At Bike Club, we offer a subscription service that ensures your child always has a bike that fits their current size. This prevents the discomfort of riding a bike that's too large or too small.

Why are balance bikes better than stabilisers for learning to ride?

Balance bikes are better than stabilisers because they teach children the essential skill of balancing on two wheels from the start. With balance bikes, children learn to steer and balance without the need for pedals, making the transition to a pedal bike much smoother. Stabilisers, on the other hand, can create a false sense of balance and make it harder for children to learn how to balance independently when they are eventually removed.