Riding a bike truly is a skill that you never lose. However, it takes some work to develop safe riding skills. Using these eight tips can help your child learn to ride a bike safely, which helps to prevent spills that could cause them to lose their confidence.
1- Get Comfortable Safety Gear
Young children sometimes balk at wearing a helmet, and this is often caused by one that is ill-fitting. Make sure to get a helmet, knee, and elbow pads that fit your child. Then, make wearing their gear a normal part of getting ready to get on their bike.
2- Choose a Clear Riding Area
Many bike accidents occur from debris in the riding path. In the early stages of riding, your child won’t be able to maneuver around obstacles quickly. Start by choosing a safe place to practice, and do a quick walkthrough to make sure sticks, rocks and other obstacles aren’t in their pathway.
3- Consider Placing Cones or Warning Signs
Establishing boundaries helps to prevent your child from riding into danger zones. Try placing cones at the end of your driveway or along the sidewalk as a reminder of where to stop and turn around. If you’re practicing near a busy street, then placing a warning sign for drivers helps to alert other people that a child is nearby.
4- Start With a Balance Bike
Balance bikes eliminate some of the issues that can cause children to have accidents or get frustrated with learning to ride. In the earliest stage, parents can choose a rocker bike that helps acclimate toddlers to the experience of sitting on a bike seat and moving. Later, children can step up to a strider bike that allows them to use their feet on the ground to move. As children gain balance, they can then move up to a traditional pedal system with greater confidence.
5- Use the Right Size Bike
While hand-me-downs are nice, they can increase the risk of an accident if your child isn’t able to reach the ground. The easiest way to choose a bike for your child is to measure their inseam and follow the manufacturer’s sizing guide. Once your child has their bike, you can then adjust the seat to provide them with the perfect fit.
6- Let Your Child Guide the Lessons
Pushing your child out of their comfort zone is sometimes necessary, but you’ll want to let your child take the driver’s seat on this activity. If your child needs a break, then grab some water and encourage them to catch their breath. Being overtired creates a safety risk.
7- Teach Street Safety
As your child develops their skills, they’ll naturally get faster and capable of riding for longer distances. Take some time to remind your child to stay out of the street. This may also be a good time to redefine riding boundaries and let your child know how far they are allowed to ride when you’re in different places.
8- Stay Close and Observant
Even older kids need supervision on their bikes. As you supervise your child, watch to see how their skills are developing. As they begin to lift their feet more often, they may be ready to move up to the next level of bikes.
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Learning to ride a bike is a process that you can begin as soon as your child can sit on a rocking version. Starting early helps your child develop their balance at the same time that they are improving their ability to walk and run. Offering consistent opportunities to practice is important for your child’s success, and your efforts will pay off soon when you’re able to enjoy a bike ride together.
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