kidscycling.co.uk - my first bike

Learning to Ride a Bike

There are two options for learning to ride a bike:

1. Balance Bikes
2. Bike with stabilisers

Balance Bikes

Wooden Balance BikeBalance bikes are a good option for teaching your children to learn to ride. They have no stabilisers or pedals and are designed to enable kids as young as 18 months to ride by walking or running with the bike, then gliding. This allows kids to naturally develop balance and coordination with confidence. They can then progress to a normal bike without the use of stabilisers.

We have a range of balance bikes including wooden balance bikes for children aged 21 months - 5 years.


Riding Without Stabilisers

Watch our video on how to ride without stabilisers here

Video

Learning to RideLearning to ride a bicycle is a defining moment in a child’s life and a proud moment for any parent. Below are Seven Simple Steps to Cycling Success to get you off on the right pedal:

1. THE RIGHT SIZE BIKE
Make sure the bike is the right size for your child. This is important, because if your child’s bike doesn’t fit correctly, they will struggle to learn how to ride. An incorrectly sized bike can also lead to accidents and potentially damage your child’s knees and hip joints. Make sure that the balls of their feet can touch the ground. Click here to check you have the right size of bike for your child.

2. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET
Always make sure your child is wearing a helmet and wearing it correctly. We will make sure that your child is fitted with the correct helmet in-store.

3. WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
Make sure your child is wearing flat shoes or trainers and clothing that isn't likely to become caught in the wheels or drag on the ground.

4. RIDE ON FLAT DRY GROUND
Choose a flat, dry piece of land - free of cracks or potholes – to help your child get cycling safely. If you plan to use the lawn, it’s a good idea to mow it first, as long grass can be hazardous.

Learning to Ride5. RUN ALONGSIDE THE BIKE
Run alongside the bike, holding the seat with one hand and the handlebars with the other.

6. LET GO... WITH CONFIDENCE
When you and your child feel confident they can balance without you, you can let go. Be sure to explain this beforehand to avoid the child panicking or becoming alarmed.

7. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
It will be worth it in the end!

You can also learn to ride a bike with a balance bike

TOP TIPS

Set the stabilisers so they are raised slightly off the floor, this allows your child to start learning to balance before completely removing the support of the stabilisers.

We sell stabilisers for bikes 12"-20". We also have rebound stabilisers for 12"-16" bikes. Rebound stabilisers have a unique suspension system which allows the stabilisers to adjust to uneven ground. This gives a smoother ride and better stability for off road use, for example on grass or trails in the park.

Downloadable Certificate

Riding without stabilisers is a great achievement for any child. Make their day by printing off a certificate and presenting it to them.
Once your child has learnt to ride without stabilisers, click below to download a printable PDF certificate (440KB).

Click to download certificate

Girl In HelmetGetting Started

It's easy, all you need to get started is:

• Bike
• Helmet
• Knee and elbow pads (optional)

Getting Started - Safety Tips

Once they’ve learnt how to ride without stabilisers, here are a few safety tips you need to teach your child about riding their bike:

  1. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET - Your child should always wear a cycle helmet.

  2. VISIBILITY - Visibility is crucial to your child’s safety when cycling. They will be most visible to drivers if they wear fluorescent materials in daylight up until dusk and reflective clothing at night .

  3. TRAINING - Training improves a child’s skills and confidence on a bike. Find out whether there’s a course available near you by contacting your local Road Safety Officer or visiting www.Bikeability.org.uk.

  4. Girl In HelmetMAINTAIN YOUR BIKE - Your child’s bike should be well maintained. As with any other vehicle, a bike requires loving care and attention if it’s to work properly. Halfords offers a ‘free six-week first service’ for all bikes, a ‘Bike Care Plan’ and a ‘we repair’ service. Halfords stock a wide range of cleaners, lubricants and tools for you to keep your bike in tip top condition.

And remember, it's against the law to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the rear.

  1. USE CYCLE ROUTES - Make sure your child knows to use special cycle routes, paths and lanes whenever possible.

  2.  NO DISTRACTIONS - Tell your child never to listen to a personal stereo or use a mobile phone while cycling, and always remind them to take extra care when cycling with friends - distractions can cause accidents.

For more information from the THINK campaign see: http://talesoftheroad.direct.gov.uk/stop-look-listen

 

Halfords

Back to top