How To Teach Your Kid To Ride A Bike

Learning how to ride a kids beach cruiser bike for the first time is a timeless tradition and a skill that, once absorbed, will never be forgotten. When teaching your child how to ride a bike, remember to keep the process enjoyable. Also keep in mind that every kid has a special learning style and may respond to some teaching approaches better than others. Pay attention to what works and what needs to be adapted as needed.

Here are a few tips on how to properly teach your child to ride a bike:

Selecting the Right Bicycle

When choosing a kids beach cruiser bike for your child, do not buy a bike that is too large in the hopes your kid will “grow into” it. This may halt the learning process if the child feels uncomfortable on an ill-fitting bicycle.

Beach Bikes offers a wide selection of cruiser bikes for kids that are the perfect starter bike. From the Firmstrong Urban Girl to the Mini Bruiser, our company stocks the perfect first-time cruisers for your kids.

Picking and Properly Fitting a Helmet

Your child’s helmet should sit level across their forehead, resting about one inch above the eyebrows. It should be snug enough to move no more than an inch, yet still comfortable enough for your child to wear.

You may also want to consider having your kid wear gloves, kneepads, and elbow pads while learning how to ride a bicycle for the first time.

Riding with Pedals

Initially, ensure that your child knows how to correctly sit and balance on their kids beach cruiser bike. Also make sure that they know where the pedals are. Coach them to step down on the front pedal and perform a scooting action to give the bike its forward motion.

Keep your child steady by placing your hand on the bike seat or their shoulders. However, allow your kid to learn how to feel stable and comfy without your assistance.

As your child gets the hang of pedaling their cruiser bicycle, you can begin practicing steering with them. Encourage them to ride in big circles and figure eights. To keep things enjoyable, set up a line of cones for your kid to navigate.

Stopping the Bicycle

After they have mastered turning, practice braking. Ask your kid to lightly push down on the coaster brake with their foot until they can use it without bobbing. To work on braking skills, play a game of “Red Light / Green Light” using various distances to encourage quicker braking.

Follow the Leader

After your kid can ride, hop on your own bike and have them follow you. Take it easy and slow in an area with no traffic, such as an empty parking lot or in the park.

Teaching a child to ride a bike can be fun for you both. Just remember to always play it safe.

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