Tip for Teaching Bicycling / Learning to Bicycle Ride

Submitted by ptmusicuk ( ), on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 04:17
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Message Type: praise
Subject:

Great technique. After failing at getting my young daughter to ride a bike using other teaching methods (running alongside holding the bike etc) I successfully had her riding her bike this weekend after using this technique in about 30 mins! Result = Happy Dad and Daughter looking forward to going on rides together.

Submitted by . ( ), on Monday, May 30, 2011 at 10:52
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Message Type: praise
Subject: thanks for the video tutorial

I have been pushing and pushing my son on his bike with no success. However, following your video tutorial, my seven year old boy who has problems with motor coordination and has autism spectrum disorder, learned to ride his bike only on the second day we tried your method. It worked for us and so I've bookmarked your website to share with others. Thank you!

Submitted by Peter C. (***@yahoo.com), on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 16:02
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Son 9 refuses to learn to ride bike

Found your video via Google and spent an hour going through the steps with my son, who has resisted learning how to ride for years (he's 9). By the end he was riding like a pro. It really works! Thanks for putting it up.

Submitted by lacygirl99 ( ), on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 17:08
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Best Video

This is the BEST VIDEO on how to learn to ride a bike, my son is 14 and never rode a bike, i got him his first bike yesterday and i tried to teach him and it was a nightmare, he kept falling, crying and hated the bike,he could not balance. we got on line and watched videos together and this was be the best, WOW it was GREAT, he was riding by himself with one hour! i was not teaching him right., just balance first going down a slope and NOT PEDAL, YOU MADE MY SON ONE HAPPY KID, thank you!!

Submitted by Andrew P. (), on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 05:25
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Excellent "how to teach" page

Thanks for the excellent technique on teaching at http://www.ibike.org/education/teaching-kids.htm. The hill idea and the build up outlined there was perfect for me and my 5 year old daughter. One 90 min session went from nothing to her cycling away from the bottom of the hill and having to be called back to try again. Thanks for the info and best of luck, Andrew P. Dublin, Ireland

Submitted by Lily (***@ freenet.de), on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 12:53
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Teaching an Adult to Ride a Bicycle

I would like to thank you for the video of an elderly lady learning to ride a bike. I am 47 yrs old and wanted so much to learn to bike since my 6 yr old most times needs a company while she rides her bike. I used to walk very fast , almost running, behind her while we need to get some bread or milk in the city. I find that very exhausting. I am glad i came across your site and it really helped me to learn to bike. Now i am riding beside my daughter when we go for a ride or to the city to get some fresh fruits, bread or to the library.

In the next weeks, i am getting me a new bike fit for my size (since i am using a size smaller now for practice). Once again, THANK YOU! It really makes it easier for me to be in places faster. Warm Regards, Lily from Germany

Submitted by *** ( ), on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 19:14
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Thanks for helping teach my son!

Can't thank you enough for your excellent advice - my seven year old followed your method (coasting down a slight hill till able to balance, etc), and was confidently pedalling on a path in 20 minutes. I have back problems so couldn't use the old fashioned "running along with the kid and catching them before they fall" technique!

Submitted by Lynn H. (***@hotmail.co.uk ), on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 09:28
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Best system

I had to write to thank you so much for your advice on teaching kids how to ride a bike. I have two kids on the autistic spectrum who are now 10 and 12 and I thought they would never learn as we have been trying for years without success. Luckily I stumbled across your website and I thought the technique was unlike anything I had seen before. I showed the video to my son and he was amazed at how quickly an adult learned. We gave it a go and both my kids learned to ride in just a couple of days. This has transformed family life for us as now we can all go out cycling as a family. I am recommending your website to everyone - thanks SO much!

Submitted by *** ( ), on Monday, July 26, 2010 at 09:20
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Learning to Bike

Thank you for breaking this down into easy steps. It made a huge difference to my son, who struggles with balance issues.

Submitted by cascadeofgrace ( ), on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 18:41
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Learning to Bicycle Without Pain; Teaching Bicycling Without Strain

It works! I tried it and learned to ride in 2 hours even with out the grassy slopes and removing the pedals. I kept my feet out of the way of the pedals and did it in the flat drive way. I am now riding and I have no bruises to show for it. I am still practicing riding in a straight line and breaking. As soon I master it I will be taking to the road.

Submitted by frank ( ), on Monday, July 12, 2010 at 11:57
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Message Type: praise
Subject: incredible page

I read the paragraphs on starting on hill. Lowered seat. Had to use our driveway. Did 5 coast-downs. On 6th one, son started just pedaling and away he went. All morning he has been riding his bike everywhere. Tried the "run on side" method about 2 months ago, to no avail.

Submitted by Qwen A. (***@thinksmartmarketing.co.uk), on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 10:08
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Teaching a child to ride a bike

I just need to add my praise and huge thanks for your brilliant video and content. Having struggled in the past teaching children with the "running along", back braking, knee scraping technique, I was delighted to find such a brilliantly common sense approach, so well explained. I kid you not. My 4.5 year old has gone from a nervous/stabliser user, to a reasonably confident and very happy rider in 3 days! It's taken in total no more than 1hr and 30 minutes over that period and she's off! Thank you so much.

Submitted by *** ( ), on Monday, June 7, 2010 at 18:54
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Message Type: praise
Subject: "I'm doing it!"

My niece Eva will be 12 this summer and until she saw your video on teaching adults to ride, she was very resistant to learning. Her grandmother found your site and encouraged her to try. We found a nice grassy slope and her grandmother grandfather, me and her older sister all came along to encourage. Her sister timed the process, and it took 55 minutes from start to her first ride on the street. She is very exited and proud and so are we! Thank you for helping her achieve a goal she had given up on in the past. When she pedaled toward me on the street, she yelled, "I'm doing it"

Submitted by *** (). on Sunday, June 6, 2010 at 16:41
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Message Type: praise
Subject: This Works!!!

We have been trying to teach our son for THREE YEARS and he has always been resistant and fearful. Using this technique, he finally understood that bike riding is fun and he was able to coast and get his balance at his own pace. He is happy, excited, and looking forward to getting better!

Submitted by Nina M. (***@ncsl.org) on Monday, May 24, 2010 at 08:40
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Tip for Teaching Bicycling Video

I watched the video of the older lady learning to ride a bike, went out yesterday (Sunday, May 23rd, 2010!!) and did the same thing! I am pleased to say, that at the ripe old age of 51, your video enabled me to FINALLY learn how to ride a bike!!

Submitted by Ann W. (***@btinternet.com) on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 04:11
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Message Type: praise
Subject: Learning to ride the bicycle for Adults

Just would like to say that never having learnt to ride a bike, after watching the How to Learn to Ride a Bicycle for Adults I have now learnt how to ride a bike although I have not been able to ride it very far, I have an arthritic knee and hands and I am 61.

Submitted by Promr999 () on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 18:00
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Message Type: praise

This video was very helpful. I am a 35 year old female and 5 feet tall and I am scared of bicycles. But after seeing this video yesterday, I decided to give a shot. Guess what now I can ride a bicycle like a champ. It only took me 1 hr to learn and this video was my teacher. There was no one there to instruct me other than this resource. This is a very good method to learn how to ride a bike. If I can learn, any one can learn. Thanks for posting this video.

Submitted by Kathy B (***@comcast.net ) on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 10:00
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Message Type: praise
Subject: video

Thanks so much for this video. I struggled for many years with how to get my reluctant, slightly heavy boy to learn to ride a bike. He is almost my height, so running alongside holding him was out of the question. Your method finally worked and he is thrilled with himself. It took us a while to get through it, but step by step it worked. I am so happy.

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!

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

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.

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 ( ) 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.

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 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 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 ( ) 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 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 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 () 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 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 (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 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 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.

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 () 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 () 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, 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 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 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 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.


		Teaching / Learning to Bicycle: Commentary
WE WOULD LOVE YOUR SUPPORT! Our content is provided free as a public service! Follow us on Twitter		As our Teaching Kids (and Adults) to Ride a Bicycle materials increase the ranks of bicyclist one-by-one, here is a sample of the very interesting, inspiring and encouraging feedback we have received: Submitted by squirrelavengerr31 ( ), on Sunday, Dec 2, 2012 at 16:25 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you My wife and I are traveling to Europe next year and I really wanted to learn how to ride a bike. I am 32 years old and never learned. We tried on our sidewalk for some time but I quickly became frustrated. I went online thinking I needed adult training wheels and I came across your video on youtube. My wife and I followed the same instructions as you did (except I did not remove the pedals) and within 1 hour I was riding. A very simple pleasure that brought me indescribable joy. THANK YOU! Submitted by Susanta Kar ( ), on Thursday, Oct 22, 2012 at 20:01 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you Real training - with no time. I really loved that for my kids to learn bike riding. Submitted by kenpwtam ( ), on Sunday, Oct 18, 2012 at 08:38 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you This is amazing! Thanks for the method!! Submitted by anmol patankar ( ), on Sunday, Oct 18, 2012 at 00:38 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you thanks this video is awesome im 10 years old now i can learn Submitted by Dragos763 ( ), on Monday, Oct 1, 2012 at 12:11 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you THANKS!!!! I managed to teach my 5 y.o. son riding 2 wheels in 3 hours using your method. Submitted by Stephanie B. (asburnham@yahoo.com ), on Thursday, Sept 20, 2012 at 6:54 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you so much Thank you so much for your wonderful advice. My son has been terrified for a year about learning to ride without training wheels. My husband and I found your website and read about your methods; they worked flawlessly for my son! Our six year old is whizzing down the road on his bike now after only four days of practice! Thank you for helping me to help my son. God bless, the Burnham family. Submitted by crysbrightt. ( ), on Tueday, Aug 21, 2012 at 9:13 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you My daughter is 7.5, and we tried teaching her with training wheels, with some snags. Her balance is terrible but I thought we would try to master the pedaling and steering first. This makes soooo much more sense, we're totally trying this tomorrow!!! Thank you so much for sharing! Submitted by achakrawarti. ( ), on Monday, July 30, 2012 at 18:48 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you I am planning to follow this video. So inspiring. I just bought a bike and hope to have the same smile on my face too :) . Thanks for the video. Submitted by maenchito22. ( ), on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 12:21 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you I am 54 years old and one of my dreams was to ride a bike. Thanks for this video finally I learned to ride my bike. Thanks so much! Submitted by Miklay. ( ), on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 14:17 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you The big smile at 6:10 - the Ah-ha moment - was priceless! Submitted by ThinBlueLine1969. ( ), on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 12:45 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you My six year old son and myself watched this video and applied all the techniques shown in it. Within less than 24 hours my son had learned to ride his bike. Thank you so much for posting this video. I am a happy father!!! Submitted by gftorain. ( ), on Friday, June 1, 2012 at 19:33 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you I am in my thirties and never learned how to ride a bike. I watched this video on Tuesday, bought a bike the next day, and was riding after a few hours! This method is so simple; I didn't fall once. I'm so glad I found this and your website! THANK YOU!!!!!! Submitted by EmmaLilly007. ( ), on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10:24 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you I'm 16 and my dad may disown me if I don't learn to ride a bike before we go to see Moto GP - he wants to ride around the track with me after. Thank you SO much for this video; it seems PERFECT:) Submitted by Venkatesh ( 74@gmail.com), on Thursday, May 5, 2012 at 21:34 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Fantastic Inspiration I am a 38 year old male from India. I had never ridden a bicycle all these years i.e. until 8th May 2012 (a red letter day for me). I watched the video clip on IBF website and drew tremendous inspiration from the old lady learning to ride in one hour. I bought my own bike on Sunday 6th May, started baby steps on Tuesday 8th May and have learnt balancing, pedaling, starting and stopping as well as downhill riding by 11th May 2012. The only learning left is riding uphill now! Fantastic inspiration and encouragement provided by your website and you can count me as one of your students who learnt the entire sequence of getting bicycle trained only from IBF. And of course, I have not used the traditional method of asking for a helping hand in learning since I used to practice at 4am in the morning !!! Submitted by . ( ), on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 18:49 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thank you I am 48 years old and I learned to ride a bicycle using your method. Submitted by . ( ), on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 17:48 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: My 6 year old and I just watched it and decided to give this method a try. She learned to ride in under an hour. She's one happy girl! Thanks! Submitted by loopsuganda ( ), on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 19:19 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Just learnt to ride a bike at 48 using this video. Thank you so much. Do to major upheavals during my childhood, I never learnt to ride a bike. Now I can ride with my family. God Bless you for this video. Submitted by aggybail ( ), onTueday, April 17, 2012 at 22:14 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: I just learned how to ride a bicycle (I'm 28) and this video helped me a lot! I practiced using a child's bicycle because I needed to have my feet touch the ground as I'm really short. I followed the steps in this video and within a few days I was riding a grown-up bike! Thanks a lot for helping people like me. Submitted by . ( ), on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:31 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: 7 year old unable to ride bike I can hardly believe it, my granddaughter is riding her bike. After unsucessful attempts for about a year I found your site on the search engine. She watched the video with me last night and after she came home from school today we practiced for 2 hours and low and behold she is now proudly riding her bike.Thank you. Submitted by ptmusicuk ( ), on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 04:17 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Great technique. After failing at getting my young daughter to ride a bike using other teaching methods (running alongside holding the bike etc) I successfully had her riding her bike this weekend after using this technique in about 30 mins! Result = Happy Dad and Daughter looking forward to going on rides together. Submitted by . ( ), on Monday, May 30, 2011 at 10:52 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: thanks for the video tutorial I have been pushing and pushing my son on his bike with no success. However, following your video tutorial, my seven year old boy who has problems with motor coordination and has autism spectrum disorder, learned to ride his bike only on the second day we tried your method. It worked for us and so I've bookmarked your website to share with others. Thank you! Submitted by Peter C. (@yahoo.com), on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 16:02 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Son 9 refuses to learn to ride bike Found your video via Google and spent an hour going through the steps with my son, who has resisted learning how to ride for years (he's 9). By the end he was riding like a pro. It really works! Thanks for putting it up. Submitted by lacygirl99 ( ), on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 17:08 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Best Video This is the BEST VIDEO on how to learn to ride a bike, my son is 14 and never rode a bike, i got him his first bike yesterday and i tried to teach him and it was a nightmare, he kept falling, crying and hated the bike,he could not balance. we got on line and watched videos together and this was be the best, WOW it was GREAT, he was riding by himself with one hour! i was not teaching him right., just balance first going down a slope and NOT PEDAL, YOU MADE MY SON ONE HAPPY KID, thank you!! Submitted by Andrew P. (), on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 05:25 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Excellent "how to teach" page Thanks for the excellent technique on teaching at http://www.ibike.org/education/teaching-kids.htm. The hill idea and the build up outlined there was perfect for me and my 5 year old daughter. One 90 min session went from nothing to her cycling away from the bottom of the hill and having to be called back to try again. Thanks for the info and best of luck, Andrew P. Dublin, Ireland Submitted by Lily (@ freenet.de), on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 12:53 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Teaching an Adult to Ride a Bicycle I would like to thank you for the video of an elderly lady learning to ride a bike. I am 47 yrs old and wanted so much to learn to bike since my 6 yr old most times needs a company while she rides her bike. I used to walk very fast , almost running, behind her while we need to get some bread or milk in the city. I find that very exhausting. I am glad i came across your site and it really helped me to learn to bike. Now i am riding beside my daughter when we go for a ride or to the city to get some fresh fruits, bread or to the library. In the next weeks, i am getting me a new bike fit for my size (since i am using a size smaller now for practice). Once again, THANK YOU! It really makes it easier for me to be in places faster. Warm Regards, Lily from Germany Submitted by * ( ), on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 19:14 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Thanks for helping teach my son! Can't thank you enough for your excellent advice - my seven year old followed your method (coasting down a slight hill till able to balance, etc), and was confidently pedalling on a path in 20 minutes. I have back problems so couldn't use the old fashioned "running along with the kid and catching them before they fall" technique! Submitted by Lynn H. (*@hotmail.co.uk ), on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 09:28 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Best system I had to write to thank you so much for your advice on teaching kids how to ride a bike. I have two kids on the autistic spectrum who are now 10 and 12 and I thought they would never learn as we have been trying for years without success. Luckily I stumbled across your website and I thought the technique was unlike anything I had seen before. I showed the video to my son and he was amazed at how quickly an adult learned. We gave it a go and both my kids learned to ride in just a couple of days. This has transformed family life for us as now we can all go out cycling as a family. I am recommending your website to everyone - thanks SO much! Submitted by * ( ), on Monday, July 26, 2010 at 09:20 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Learning to Bike Used this method and loved it. I wrote about it - and cited it - today in my Asperger Syndrome blog. http://aspergerfamily3.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/riding-that-bicycle/ Thank you for breaking this down into easy steps. It made a huge difference to my son, who struggles with balance issues. Submitted by cascadeofgrace ( ), on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 18:41 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Learning to Bicycle Without Pain; Teaching Bicycling Without Strain It works! I tried it and learned to ride in 2 hours even with out the grassy slopes and removing the pedals. I kept my feet out of the way of the pedals and did it in the flat drive way. I am now riding and I have no bruises to show for it. I am still practicing riding in a straight line and breaking. As soon I master it I will be taking to the road. Submitted by frank ( ), on Monday, July 12, 2010 at 11:57 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: incredible page I read the paragraphs on starting on hill. Lowered seat. Had to use our driveway. Did 5 coast-downs. On 6th one, son started just pedaling and away he went. All morning he has been riding his bike everywhere. Tried the "run on side" method about 2 months ago, to no avail. Submitted by Qwen A. (*@thinksmartmarketing.co.uk), on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 10:08 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Teaching a child to ride a bike I just need to add my praise and huge thanks for your brilliant video and content. Having struggled in the past teaching children with the "running along", back braking, knee scraping technique, I was delighted to find such a brilliantly common sense approach, so well explained. I kid you not. My 4.5 year old has gone from a nervous/stabliser user, to a reasonably confident and very happy rider in 3 days! It's taken in total no more than 1hr and 30 minutes over that period and she's off! Thank you so much. Submitted by * ( ), on Monday, June 7, 2010 at 18:54 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: "I'm doing it!" My niece Eva will be 12 this summer and until she saw your video on teaching adults to ride, she was very resistant to learning. Her grandmother found your site and encouraged her to try. We found a nice grassy slope and her grandmother grandfather, me and her older sister all came along to encourage. Her sister timed the process, and it took 55 minutes from start to her first ride on the street. She is very exited and proud and so are we! Thank you for helping her achieve a goal she had given up on in the past. When she pedaled toward me on the street, she yelled, "I'm doing it" Submitted by * (). on Sunday, June 6, 2010 at 16:41 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: This Works!!! We have been trying to teach our son for THREE YEARS and he has always been resistant and fearful. Using this technique, he finally understood that bike riding is fun and he was able to coast and get his balance at his own pace. He is happy, excited, and looking forward to getting better! Thank you! Submitted by Nina M. (@ncsl.org) on Monday, May 24, 2010 at 08:40 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Tip for Teaching Bicycling Video I watched the video of the older lady learning to ride a bike, went out yesterday (Sunday, May 23rd, 2010!!) and did the same thing! I am pleased to say, that at the ripe old age of 51, your video enabled me to FINALLY learn how to ride a bike!! Thank you!!! Submitted by Ann W. (@btinternet.com) on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 04:11 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: Learning to ride the bicycle for Adults Just would like to say that never having learnt to ride a bike, after watching the How to Learn to Ride a Bicycle for Adults I have now learnt how to ride a bike although I have not been able to ride it very far, I have an arthritic knee and hands and I am 61. Submitted by Promr999 () on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 18:00 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise This video was very helpful. I am a 35 year old female and 5 feet tall and I am scared of bicycles. But after seeing this video yesterday, I decided to give a shot. Guess what now I can ride a bicycle like a champ. It only took me 1 hr to learn and this video was my teacher. There was no one there to instruct me other than this resource. This is a very good method to learn how to ride a bike. If I can learn, any one can learn. Thanks for posting this video. Submitted by Kathy B (@comcast.net ) on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 10:00 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message Type: praise Subject: video Thanks so much for this video. I struggled for many years with how to get my reluctant, slightly heavy boy to learn to ride a bike. He is almost my height, so running alongside holding him was out of the question. Your method finally worked and he is thrilled with himself. It took us a while to get through it, but step by step it worked. I am so happy. Submitted by Dennis W (@yahoo.com ) on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 2:34 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Submitted by Rene ( ) on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 12:34 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Dean ( ) on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 15:35 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Gillian ( ) on Monday, July 28, 2009 at 10:23 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ( ) on Monday, June 08, 2009 at 13:28 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ( ) on Saturday, May 02, 2009 at 6:26 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Rorra M ( ) on Monday, February 09, 2009 at 23:00 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Friday, July 18, 2008 at 13:29 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ( ) on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 9:26 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Jackson on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 14:27 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Mark S. (bikerfur@.com) on Monday, April 7, 2008 at 16:28:50 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 () on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 13:09:17 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Geoffrey Kransdorf (@yahoo.com) on Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 03:23:59 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 (manoj_c@.com) on Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 19:45:33 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Chris Jenkins on Monday, August 20, 2007 at 22:59:07 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Ananta () on Monday, July 23, 2007 at 11:32:39 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 () on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 07:42:24 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 () on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 13:00:30 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, January 14, 2007 at 02:49:59 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Ben Johnson, Ph.D. on Thursday, November 2, 2006 at 13:31 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 16:29 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Frank James on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 13:18 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. Additional comments on YouTube Video* Article on other websites: Teaching Kids to Ride Teaching Your child to Ride a Bike For additional IBF tips on cycling see: Infants: Child Seats Vs. Trailers Vs. Backpacks Vs. Third-wheel Cycles Choosing A Bike / Buying a Bike Bicycle Helmets Group Bicycle Riding Safety and Etiquette (PDF format) IBF's Bicycle Safety,Sustainability Bibliography/Reading List
		Home \| About Us \| Contact Us \| Contributions \| Economics \| Education \| Encouragement \| Engineering \| Environment \| Bibliography \| Essay Contest \| Ibike Tours \| Library \| Links \| Site Map \| Search The International Bicycle Fund is an independent, non-profit organization. Its primary purpose is to promote bicycle transportation. Most IBF projects and activities fall into one of four categories: planning and engineering, safety education, economic development assistance and promoting international understanding. IBF's objective is to create a sustainable, people-friendly environment by creating opportunities of the highest practicable quality for bicycle transportation. IBF is funded by private donation. Contributions are always welcome and are U.S. tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please write if you have questions, comment, criticism, praise or additional information for us, to report bad links, or if you would like to be added to IBF's mailing list. (Also let us know how you found this site.) "Hosted by ThinkHost - earth friendly web hosting" Created by David Mozer. Copyright � 1995-2013 International Bicycle Fund. All rights reserved.

Teaching / Learning to Bicycle: Commentary

As our Teaching Kids (and Adults) to Ride a Bicycle materials increase the ranks of bicyclist one-by-one, here is a sample of the very interesting, inspiring and encouraging feedback we have received:

"Hosted by ThinkHost - earth friendly web hosting" Created by David Mozer. Copyright � 1995-2013 International Bicycle Fund. All rights reserved.

"Hosted by ThinkHost - earth friendly web hosting"
Created by David Mozer.
Copyright � 1995-2013 International Bicycle Fund. All rights reserved.