Learn to ride – Top Tips for Success

A balance bike is the best preparation for learning to pedal. Your child needs balance, coordination and locomotion skills to pedal. Stabilisers discourage all three and instill bad habits.

Get a balance balance bike, or carefully remove the pedals from a regular bike with a pedal spanner, or a long-handled spanner with WD40. Scooting confidently and consistently, is the first step in learning to pedal.

Try not to hold on to your child or their bike. It can distort the bike's position and upset their balance. You may LIGHTLY hold on to their armpits or the back of their coat if it's safe to do so. Let go of them as soon as you can. Encourage them to pedal without help.

Every child learns at a different pace.

Do encourage your child to start off and pedal without help. Right foot on the pedal, with pedal raised; left foot on the ground, in front of the left pedal. Push down hard with the right foot, push forward hard with the left foot. Then when the bike is moving, bring the left foot up on to the pedal, and keep pedalling.

Do cycle with your child if you can. Your child will absorb a lot by copying you, or another friend or family member, cycling in front of them. Choose somewhere with wide paths so you can cycle just in front and alongside them.

Do cycle with your child if you can. Your child will absorb a lot by copying you, or another friend or family member, cycling in front of them. Choose somewhere with wide paths so you can cycle just in front and alongside them.

Don't put pressure on your child. Give them breaks. Don't make them work too hard - especially if they are cold or tired. Cycling is mean to be fun, not a chore. Do agree rewards with them for making progress.

Do book one-to-one cycling tuition with Pedal Ahead! Some children need extra help. Book on our website.