Learn to Cycle
Learning to ride a bicycle is one of life's most enjoyable
milestones. The fun can start from the age of
about 3 years old and can carry on for the rest of your
life. Every child loves to cycle because it
gives them independence and control. For parents
and guardians it can be wonderful watching your child cycling for
the very first time without help and it can lead to great family or
group days out together.
3 Easy steps to becoming a cyclist
1. Learn to brake
2. Learn to bail
3. Learn to balance
Before you start
Learn on a bicycle that is in good working order and where the
feet can touch the ground while sat in the
saddle. Find a place to learn, preferably a
flat, hard surface with few obstructions and only a little slope at
the most. Make sure a well fitted helmet is
worn.
Very young children can start to learn to cycle on a training
bike like the one in the 'Like a bike' picture.
Stabilizers teach children to have fun on a bicycle but they can
hinder learning to balance. Explain to children
why they are doing each practice to keep the end achievement in
sight and praise them when they have done well.
1. Learn to brake
With young children learning to brake can be quite
difficult. It is also something that they tend
to forget to do. Make sure the brakes can be
applied single handed, as some brakes are too hard for some
children to use.
- Wheel the bike around and apply the brakes
and bring the bicycle to a halt in a controlled stop.
2. Learn to bail
With adults and older children bailing may come naturally, but
for some little children learning how to fall can remove some of
the anxiety and give them confidence.
- Sit on the bike with the feet on the ground. Tilt the cycle to one side and move the leg on the titled side outward to prevent the bike from falling. Try the same on the other side.
- Sit on the bike with the feet on the pedals and someone holding the seat for balance. Tilt the bike as above and again practice bailing on both sides.
3. Learn to balance
This part can be the most fun or the most
frightening. To remove the anxiety with young
children it may be better to take them to a local park where there
are other attractions so they can do some of the practices en route
to the playground for example.
- Sit on the bike with both feet on the ground and tilt the bicycle to one side. Learn to steer the handlebars in the same direction as the tilt to bring the bicycle to an upright position again.
- Push the bike around with only one hand on the saddle. This may be difficult for little ones as children's bikes can be quite heavy. Do not worry; just go on to the next practice if this is the case.
- Sit on the bicycle with both feet on the ground and push the bicycle forward with the feet until it scoots along. Keep extending the length the bicycle scoots forward until with one push the bicycle will coast along for longer stretches.
- Sit on the bicycle and with someone holding on to the saddle push off with the feet until the bike is coasting and bring the feet up on to the pedals. Keep pedalling and gradually confidence will grow and the helper can let go of the saddle. The helper should keep up with the bicycle if possible to remind the cyclist to brake or turn if necessary.
- To set off unassisted bring one of the pedals forward so when the foot pushes down the bicycle will move. Keep looking straight ahead and not at the pedals. As the bicycle moves and starts to coast bring the other foot up and cycle.
Now
you can cycle . . . well done!
Benefits of cycling
- Can help children's education by improving their attention span and memory recall.
- Can tire children out ready for bed.
- Can help children keep fit and healthy.
- Visit places that are difficult to reach by car or bus
- Exercise suitable for most ages and abilities.
- Gives you the feel good factor.
- It's fun, fast, and environmentally friendly!
46 Church Drive, Orton Waterville, Peterborough, PE2
5HE. Tel: 01733 231755.
Your friendly, family run cycle shop for all your spares,
repairs, accessories and quality bicycles. With
over 30 years in the business we can help you choose the right
bicycle for your child's needs. A courtesy after
sales service comes free with all our bicycles.
Why not pop in to see how we can help you.
Cycle training
To find out which schools offer cycle training contact the
Road Safety Team on 01733 453417. For adult cycle training please go to the adult
cycle training page.