Teaching / Learning to Bicycle: Commentary

Submitted by Frank James on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 13:18
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Message Type: praise

Message:  Thank you so much for the information on teaching a child to ride a bike. My son was 10 and just couldn't get the hang of riding using the conventional method of running along side and letting go of him. By letting him coast down a slight hill he learned to balance without having to pedal. Eventually we added pedaling and turning. I can't thank you enough.

Submitted by ( ) on Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 16:29
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Message Type: praise

Message:  Thanks so much for you info on teaching kids to ride a bike. My daughter had become terrified of her bicycle after the training wheels were removed. The idea of letting her coast down a hill at her own pace never occurred to us. Now she is quite eager to practice everyday after school, and I am sure she will be riding on her own very soon. Thanks so much!

Submitted by Ben Johnson, Ph.D. on Thursday, November 2, 2006 at 13:31
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Message Type: praise

Message:  Dear IBF, I just wanted to add my deep thanks for providing the great strategies for teaching kids to ride a bike. My son, age 7, was very scared and avoidant about the idea of learning to ride. Using a small bike and practicing coasting to help him learn to balance cracked the code - he got it within a few times. He is now riding on his own. I am a doctoral level clinical and behavioral psychologist and the strategies are completely consistent with my desire not to traumatize him with lots and lots of falls. His best friend fell about 25 times, I'm told, learning to ride,and hated the process. Very quickly my son started loving the process of learning to ride. I hope you can get this core strategy out to as many people as possible. It is not obvious. We found using the sloped pavement in a movie theatre parking lot to work great. Thanks again!

Submitted by () on Sunday, January 14, 2007 at 02:49:59
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MessageType: praise

Message:  After weeks and months of trying and getting very frustrated with teaching my 7 now 8 year old to ride, I figured I must be doing something wrong. I googled "teaching to ride a bike" and found this website. I took my daughter to our local park where there is perfect little hills and she rode so amazingly better than ever before on the grass hills! She has gained confidence enough to even push the bike to the top of the hill and ride down without help, all within 1 hour! Thank you for your help with teaching her, I am confident she will get it all now in no time, as is she! Thank you and kind regards. James (Australia)

Submitted by () on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 13:00:30
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MessageType: praise

Message:  Your information on teaching a child to ride a bike WORKED WONDERS. My 6 and 4 year old have both been struggling with this concept mostly out of the fear of falling on hard concrete. We took them to a grassy hill at a nearby park and within 20 minutes both had balance and coasting down pat and the 6 year old was pedaling all over the field. The look of amazement and accomplishment on their little faces was a priceless moment. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Submitted by () on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 07:42:24
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MessageType: praise

Message: Thank you so much for your article on teaching kids to ride a bike. After over a year of struggles with getting my 7 year old to let go of his training wheels, he went from a frustrated, angry and avoidant biker to an avid two-wheeler in just one session using your grass hill method. He had the SKILLS, he just didn't have the confidence, and this helped him get it.

Submitted by Ananta () on Monday, July 23, 2007 at 11:32:39
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MessageType: praise

Message: I planned a day off at work to teach my 8yr old son bike without training wheels. I anticipated a day of running me behind the bike, frustrations etc. Surprisingly I googled and found this link. Followed the instructions, it's like magic, with in 15 min, he knows how to ride without training wheels. After 1 hour he is completely comfortable. Just with

2 practice sessions (each 2 hrs) he is completely ready to bike on his own with full control.

The main things helped are:

1. Stopping the temptation to teach him with bigger bike. I used 18 inch bike (borrowed form my friend) where his feet can touch the ground when he sits on the floor. 2. Use the slope technique without pedaling as explained. I used a empty parking lot with slope. 3. The "2" o clock technique is a great help, when the seat is raised to make him ready for 20 inch bike.

So it's happy learning day for kid and parent. We are ready to buy 20 inch bike with more confidence.

The detailed explanation itself is a great thanks from my side to the author of this article. Author "Your time spend to write this article, certainly made many Dad and Kids learning time as fun and happy". Thanks for sharing the knowledge. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.

Submitted by Chris Jenkins on Monday, August 20, 2007 at 22:59:07
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MessageType: suggestion

Message: My six year old daughter learned to ride a scooter in about an hour. The next day we got her a 20 inch bike, took her to a field, and immediately she started to ride. She rode on hills, grass, dirt, and the parking lot all on the first day. I credit the scooter for teaching her balance and giving her confidence.

Submitted by (manoj_c@***.com) on Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 19:45:33
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MessageType: praise

Subject: It works !
Message: Your suggestions are great. We were struggling to teach our six year old girl cycling. With your suggestions, she could go he own in a matter of minutes. Thanks

Submitted by Geoffrey Kransdorf (***@yahoo.com) on Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 03:23:59
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MessageType: praise

Subject: Teaching Kids to ride
Message: Your advice on using a slight hill were amazingly useful and successful. My 6 year-old daughter was in tears from the "push and let go" method. After riding down a slope a couple of times, her progress was unstoppable, and she was starting from level and riding all by herself in a few hours.

Submitted by () on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 13:09:17
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MessageType: praise

Subject: Tips on teaching a child to ride a bike
Message: We struggled trying to teach my 6 year old to ride a bike in a vacant parking lot. Lots of frustration and a few tears. When I read your suggestion, I immediately went out to our drive way which has a small hill. I lowered the seat and my son sat on the bike and tentatively coasted down the hill. I asked him if we wanted the seat a little lower and he said, "maybe", so I went back to the garage to get the wrench. When I walked back out, he was peddling aroudn the culdisac to the cheers of my wife and his brother. I think knowing he could always put his feet down to keep from falling made all the difference and encouraged him to "go for it". Thanks!

Submitted by Mark S. (bikerfur@***.com) on Monday, April 7, 2008 at 16:28:50
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MessageType: praise

Subject: Teaching my daughter to ride a bike
Message: I found your site from a google search and took your advice for teaching my 6 year old to ride without the training wheels. We found a grassy hill in one of the parks. After she put on the helmet and pads we took her bike (without training wheels) and let her go. I held my breath as she headed down the hill about 20 feet to a successful stop. She was so excited and wanted to keep on trying. We spent the next hour progressively going a little further with pedaling. A triumph to a dad who loves to ride bikes. Now I have a biking buddy... wooo hooo.... Thank you, Mark S.

Submitted by Jackson on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 14:27
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MessageType: praise

Subject: I did it!
I thought after 2 years i'd never do it but today I saw this webstite and I learned how!
Jackson age 7

Submitted by ( ) on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 9:26
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Message Type: praise

Yippee, I am so glad that you gave my parents the tips that helped me find the joy of riding a bike. Your balancing technique really helped me get in the groove. I went from just pushing and pushing and pushing, to balancing for just a second or tow, to balancing for several seconds, then as long as I want!! I also went from long turns, to short turns that I can control. I'll be ready for pedals soon! by Daniel, 7 years old.

NOTE BY DAD: Daniel has always enjoyed being on our 3rd wheel, and he had some fun with training wheels. But when it came time to ride without them, he became scared, even though we took him to a grassy field. We tried the "hand on the seat" method, but he couldn't seem to get the hang of it. With much resistance and stubbornness, we went back to a 16 inch bike, and took the pedals off. Our driveway has about 100 feet of very gentle slope, and he would "walk" himself down the drive. Still very stubborn ("I hate bike riding! It will never be fun!") But he stuck with it, 10 laps at a time, even if he didn't have any fun. Last night he had a breakthrough, and finally "got the feel" of balancing. This morning when we went out, instead of arguing about how little he could do, he wanted to do 20 laps or maybe 30. I said let's start with 10. He picked right up where he left off last night, and by the second lap, he was balancing all the way down the drive!!! He is happy now, doing turns and challenging himself, and we will move to pedals as soon as he is ready (maybe very soon)! Thank you for your AWESOME suggestions from a thankful Dad!!

Submitted by ( ) on Friday, July 18, 2008 at 13:29
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Message Type: praise
Subject: It works!

My daughter was afraid to take off her training wheels at age 6 1/2. We live across from a park with a perfect little hill, so off we went. She literally was coasting down the hill by herself and pedaling for 50 feet within 5 attempts. It was really amazing. After a couple of days, she was still having trouble starting out in the grass (and refused to try on concrete), so I took her over to the baseball diamond in the park. Nice, firm sand that she could easily start from. The baseball diamond became a favorite place for her to ride and master turning, braking and steering. After riding there for a few days, she was ready for the sidewalk...and now she's a pro!

Thanks for the great advice. I tell everyone I know who has kids about this easy technique. No scrapes, no cuts...just big smiles!

PS. I made the mistake of telling her she was probably the first kid in history to learn how to ride a bike without falling down. Now she asks kids her age if they fell down when they learned to ride...they always say 'yes'...and she says "I didn't!".

Submitted by  Rorra M ( ) on Monday, February 09, 2009 at 23:00
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Grandson learned to ride from your site

I want to thank you so much for your article. My grandson Jacob had starting learn to ride his bike when he was five , with training wheels he was doing fine till one day he fell and then we couldn't get him back on a bike. As years went by and Jacob got much bigger we could get training wheels strong enough to to hold his weight. His parents had given up him every being able to ride a bike. Now his younger brothers were riding there bikes. This just broke my heart. I knew Jacobs fear, as I had fallen off a horse when I was young and it took me years to ride again.

When Jacob would come to my house he said Grandma I wish I could ride my bike. Well I was determined to help him. Then after searching the net I found your article and the next day I went to house and I took his brother bike and got on it and told Jacob we were going gliding. We did as you said and now I can say after 3 weeks my 14 year old grandson with Down Syndrome RODE HIS BIKE. And the first thing he said Grandma I'm proud of myself. Then he gave Jesus praise as well. I want to thank you so much. All us adults are amazed at this way to teach a child to ride a bike. Thank you again, Rorra M and Jacob M

Submitted by  ( ) on Saturday, May 02, 2009 at 6:26
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Buying for a child

Thank you for your helpful suggestions on buying a suitable bike for a child, and teaching a child how to ride without training wheels. You were the most helpful source I found. Thanks again, from Canada! Yolanda, mother of two

Submitted by  ( ) on Monday, June 08, 2009 at 13:28
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Riding her bike

Thank you for your article. My daughter was terrified at the thought of learning to ride her bike and repeatedly told me she didn't want a bike and to sell it.

We deliberately took her out for the first couple of times to work on balance only. This was brilliant as she instantly became interested and confident. On the 3rd outing she asked if she could start pedalling as she could see other kids nearby doing so. To my amazement within 10 minutes she was off. The next outing we introduced cycling in a straight line and the following one taking off.

She absolutely loves it now and is whizzing about our street.

Submitted by  Gillian ( ) on Monday, July 28, 2009 at 10:23
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Video on teaching biking

Last year we tried taking off my daughter's training wheels and it was a complete disaster. As soon as she would start to tip she would take her hands off the handlebars and grab for me! She hasn't ridden the bike since, but we got her a scooter this spring so she could practice the steering-to-balance principle... She mastered that so I wanted to try the bike again but also wanted to take a more informed approach. I found your video on line. I showed it to my 7 year old before we headed to the park so we'd both know what we were going to do and that it works. It was done in half an hour with no spills. The step by step approach was perfect. She improved at coasting down the hill first, then pushing off, then pedaling, then tried it on a downhill sidewalk and is now riding. No pain or frustration! Thank you!!!

Submitted by  Dean ( ) on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 15:35
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Can't thank you enough

My oldest finally rides a bike and I may no longer be the world’s worst dad!

Only on a couple occasions have I ginned up the will to try to teach my oldest son to ride a bike. Those attempts were well-intended but miserable failures. I would get aggravated and he wound up resenting me and dreading the prospect of being subjected to more “training”.

Hal was born without a left hand. He only got a prosthetic when he was eleven, and has never used it for much besides operating a lawn mower. He’s taught himself or been taught to do all manner of things with his right hand and his left arm that ends just below the elbow. He single-handedly eats corn on the cob and meat that must be cut. He's a wiz with a four-in-hand knot on a necktie, and he even ties his own shoes! He’s amazing…a great boy.

At 5’10” and 140 pounds, our just-turned 14 y/o is a pretty big boy. So much so that without ever having played any competitive sports, he decided a month ago to suit up for high school football. That was the final straw for me.

I realized I had to try once more what I’d been dreading. And thanks to your idiot-proof steps for fearful middle-aged dads with bad backs and short tempers, my big boy became a bicycle rider in one afternoon. With his prosthetic arm and helmet on, and without ever taking a single spill, we progressed steadily through the steps you’ve laid out until he was confidently pedaling up and down our neighborhood streets.

Amazing. Can’t thank you enough!

Submitted by  Rene ( ) on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 12:34
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Just taught my mother to ride

Thanks for the good idea with the downhill! I just taught my mother (age 53) to ride a bike and it took me the whole 5 minutes :)

She has NEVER road a bike before. I tried to teach him a couple of years ago with no success. We tried it the old fashion way by me trying to push and hold her from the saddle. We gave up after an hour when she decided that it was too hard and it can't be done in her age...

But today she once again asked me to take her to a store to pick up something small and meaningless (at least for me). So once again I thought how easy it would be for her to make those trips with a bicycle (she doesn't own a car). So I gave a chance to the good old google to help me find a way to teach her how to ride a bike. And guess what was the first link google suggested? Yeah, you are right - you are on that page currently :) After showing that video to her we both where amazed by the simple technique and we where quite confident that this time we can do it. Luckily we have a nice small downhill asphalt road in near by park and that's where we headed. The bike is not a new one and I was unable to remove the pedals, but we thought that hopefully it won't be a big problem because the beauty of the technique was the downhill. So we put the bike in the middle of a very small "hill" and she got ready to roll. After pushing a bit with her toes she started to roll slowly and was steering very roughly, but after about 10 meters she was already stable and I asked her to try to put her feet to pedals. After some clumsy movements she got her feet to the pedals and before I was able to say something she already started instinctively pedaling and SHE WAS RIDDING A BICYCLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HER LIFE!!! We where absolutely astonished that it took her only 1 try to get it right. After stopping the next attempt was already on flat surface and once again she was able to start ridding in no time on second attempt. After that she rode back and forth about 30 minutes with no problems. She could make smaller turns, but 90 degree turns have to wait for the next time since it was starting to get dark and we thought it was quite enough for today :)

So thank you very very much for the precious tip! And now I'm sure that it's never too late to learn to ride a bike and everyone can do it! THANK YOU!

Submitted by  Dennis W (***@yahoo.com ) on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 2:34
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Thanks for the help?

I love the article on teaching bicycling. It was extremely handy. I had never thought of taking the pedals off so my daughter could learn to balance it first. She now rides like a pro. Great idea! Thanks!