Taking the stabilisers off your child’s bike is a huge milestone for them and usually happens around the age of six. However, teaching them to cycle with just two wheels requires time and patience and while some kids catch on fairly easily, others can take their time getting the hang of it.
Flat ground
Find a large flat space, free of bumps, cars and other obstacles. The park is a good place for this as it is child-friendly and there will be plenty of room for wobbles. If your youngster is very nervous, find a flat expanse of grassy area so if they do fall off, they won’t get hurt. Make sure the grass is very short so it doesn’t obstruct the wheels.
Get the bike ready
Get your little one's bike ready before you head out together. Make sure their feet sit flat on the ground when they are sitting on the saddle and that the handle bars are at a comfortable level, not too high or too low. Don’t forget to remove the stabilisers.
Starting off
Put a helmet on your child and ask them to sit on the saddle. Teach them how to use the bakes before moving off and tell them when they start to wobble they should put one foot on the ground.
Moving off
Stand at the side of the bike, put one hand on your child’s back and the other on the handle bar. Get your youngster to start peddling but don’t let go of them yet. It is important they feel comfortable on the bike and are used to using just two wheels before they go off on their own. You should cycle like this until your son or daughter is comfortable for you to move away.
Next stage
Give your child a little more room and stand at the back of the bike holding onto the saddle. Get them to move off slowly. Don’t let go yet. When your kid feels comfortable, let go of the saddle and run up alongside them. Keep doing this until they feel comfortable.
Teach them to steer
When they are comfortable on their own you will have to teach them to steer. This comes with practice so place a few obstacles on the ground so that your child has to go around them.
There are bound to be a few falls but it is important they always get back up on the bike so they don’t grow a fear of cycling.
