| Learning How to Ride a Bike the Easy Way |
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 It has often come to my attention, as someone behind the counter of a bike shop for so many years, how hard it can sometimes be to teach someone how to ride a bike, or to wean a child off training wheels.
The reason for this is because there is a little known, widely omitted step - a skipped gradient if you will - to the process of teaching someone how to ride a bike. Although a rite of passage, the chore of running along behind the bike as a child experiences their first shaky thrill of the freedom of riding a bike, is just not a practical option for many of us. It's also a fairly risky proposition for the child. The reason this is not always the ideal scenario is because taking training wheels off and pedaling right away with one's feet up off the ground is sometimes a little too daunting. The presence of training wheels, while keeping one from falling down, also prevents one from learning how to maintain balance by steering the bike while moving. So training wheels are only good for learning how to pedal, not for balancing. I suggest the next gradient step after learning how to pedal with the assistance of training wheels, is to learn how to balance while underway by steering with the handlebars. Here's what to do. When your child has learned how to pedal with the assistance of training wheels and is ready to take the next step, remove the training wheels and the pedals from the bike. You can have this done at bike shop if you prefer, it only takes a few minutes. Next, lower the seat so your child can comfortably reach the ground flat-footed while sitting. Now your child can hold the bike up by his or herself and scoot along. This way, riders can teach themselves how to keep their balance by steering. Make it a game. See how far your child can go without touching the ground. Get your child to make a few controlled turns, and also practice stopping if the bike has hand brakes. Usually it only takes 10 to 15 minutes before the rider gets the hang of it. When your child is ready, reinstall the pedals and watch your child take off! Including this often-omitted step in the process of learning to ride a bike will save your child lots of bumps and bruises, and, in many cases for a lot of us adults, some aching muscles of our own. Having your child use a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads are wise precautions when using the pedals-off technique. Select a location with plenty of smooth, safe and flat surface area for your child to learn on. No bumps, hills or traffic - those are challenges to tackle as skill and confidence levels rise to the task. Have fun and take lots of pictures! P.S. If you're an adult and you haven't learned to ride yet, don't despair! Many adults have never learned to ride a bike. This no-pedal method works extremely well for anyone, especially adults. Just omit the training wheel part as you probably won't need assistance in learning how to pedal. You'll be rolling in no time! Author Brian Daellenbach is the owner of Chico Bike & Board and an avid supporter of BMX racing and riding in Chico. He is devoted to getting a Freestyle BMX/SK8 Park built to provide a safe, fun place for kids to ride in Chico. |
March 2010
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