Urban Cycling – Cyclist Resource

What Age Can My Child Start Riding A Bicycle? This can depend on your own personal childs limitations and challenges however usually children learn to ride their bicycle between the average age bracket of 3 years old to 6 years old. However the average age for children to learn their to ride their bicycle is 5 to 8 years old Any age in between is also suitable too, the parent or guardian of the child is always the best judge for evaluating if this task will present an important challenge in their personal development or just a year too early At What Point Should I Remove The Stabilizers From My Child’s Bicycle? Often we all need to be pushed in life to jump, in any limiting behaviour or comfort zone that we cling to for security, a gentle push can propel us into new personal growth and confidence through learning a new skill and furthering our own personal development This is very much true for your own child and personal upbringing, often the parent or guardian of the child needs to encourage their child to remove their bicycle’s stabilizers in order for them to gain new confidence and further their own personal development when facing challenges in life Most likely your child is going to be resistant to removing their bicycle’s stabilizers, so you as the parent have to encourage them to do so... While their developmental skills are one of the factors that influence when your child will start riding a bicycle on his own, the availability and their friends/siblings and is another factor to consider You’ll want to scout a suitable safe location for your child to ride their bicycle without the stabilizers, ideally a path place that is not heavy populated with pedestrians and passersby, is away from the road and does not have large obstacles (large rocks, small stoned paths) that could injure your child if they were to fall and collide with Another factor to consider is your child's siblings, friends, or neighbors that are currently riding their bicycles without any stabilizers. If your child's siblings, friends, or neighbors are in a close age to your then this is a great way to encourage them to remove their stabilizers and cycle their bicycle. Competition as a way to encourage is always a great trigger for them to take a greater risk but always with the parent or guardian supervising for safety What Type Of Bicycles Are There To Get My Child To Balance Better? There are many options of bicycles for your child to choose from nowadays, some bicycles can sometimes speed up the learning process as they have been specifically designed for children to focus on the essential skills instead of jumping in the deep end and learning to ride their bicycle the hard way. Here are some of the bicycles that best suit the learning curve and may even speed up the process Balance Bicycle A balance bicycle is a training bicycle that helps children learn balance and steering, a balance bicycle can also be called a “run bike” or “no pedal bike” or “dandy horse”. What makes a balance bicycle different is that it has no foot pedals, no drivetrain, no chain, no gears, no gear shifters, no derailleurs, and no freewheel Essentially a balance bicycle allows the child to only focus on balance and nothing else, it allows them to build up their strength and confidence on this core skill that will ultimately speed up their learning when riding a normal fully assembled bicycle. If your child has a level of experience and confidence in remaining balanced on a balance bicycle then they can transfer that skill when riding a normal bicycle without using the stabilizers Balance bicycles come in a variety of finishes, some are made out of alloy metals and some come in a light wooden finish. Balance bicycles can be a normal bicycle with pedals and related parts removed (foot pedals, drivetrain, chain...etc), or it can be purpose-built (especially for very small children, for whom normal bicycles are generally not available). Some balance bicycles are fitted with brakes and come with either air tires or solid foam tires and some balance bicycles have flat handlebars To function properly, a balance bicycle must be small enough for the rider to be able to walk the bicycle while sitting comfortably in the saddle, putting both feet flat on the ground. The rider first walks the bicycle while standing over the saddle, then while sitting in the saddle. Eventually, the rider feels comfortable enough to run and "scoot" (with their feet, similar to running while sitting on the bicycle seat) while riding the bicycle, then to lift both feet off the ground and cruise while balancing on the two wheels Brands and manufacturers of balance bicycles say that children can learn to ride a bicycle faster because they learn to balance and countersteer first and then to pedal later, and that training wheels slow learning because kids become too dependent on them, acquiring bad habits. What Is The Best Age To Start Riding A Balance Bike? This can depend on your own (it’s not one size fits all approach) child and your judgment as their parent or guardian on weather your child is at the right age to ride a balance bicycle however generally it’s from 7 months to two years old. You can quickly tell if your child feels confident and able enough to enjoy and learn on a balance bicycle. Here are some balance bicycles that can speed up your kids learning curve: Chicco Red Bullet Balance Bike The first bicycle: it helps a child to acquire the necessary balance on two wheels and so facilitates the move to a real bicycle with pedals. Realised in metal and yet ultralight, it has height adjustable handlebars and saddle to suit the build of the child. Age of use: from 2 to 5 years (to a maximum weight of 25 kgs) Dims: 60 x 26 x 16 h cm Ultralight Helps acquire balance Seat adjusts from 33 cm up to 38 cm in height Suitable for Children aged 2-5yrs Full Instructions Provided Find Out More... Banana Bike GT - Balance Bike with 12" Alloy Wheels The Banana Bike's banana shaped frame makes it easy for small kids to use, to hop on and off. The candy paint colours and unique design make the Banana Bike stand out from the crowd, you'll have the coolest bike in the playground. Balance bikes are superior for your 2-4 year old than any other form of transport Unlike pedal bikes, kids can go for longer and faster than with pedals, plus there's no stabilisers to slow them down. Whilst kids get tired quickly on scooters, sitting down on this balance bike will allow your little one to go on and on. The bike requires simple assembly, with the tools provided, simply attach the wheels, handlebars and seat The new GT2 model has been on a diet, with the main focus on weight saving. There’s 2 new paint colours, jet black alloy wheels and hubs for a slick look, new super light aluminium handlebars with a threadless headset as you’ll find on adult bikes, new lightweight seat, new more durable safety handlebar grips, 12” inflatable tires for maximum grip, rugged looks and ultimate smooth ride. Based on the Original LT Banana Bike, the GT shares the same banana shaped step-through frame that’s so great for small kids. The GT comes complete with new wheels, seat and handlebars, ideal for cruising. The new GT saddle starts as low as 32cm, extending up to 44cm. It’s the ideal way for any child to start their biking journey. From toddlers up to 5 year olds. Small kids can easily handle the bike and travel further than on scooters or pedal bikes. Better than a scooter, tricycle or starter pedal bike with stabilizers. It’s the perfect Birthday present or Christmas gift for healthy outdoor fun. A Banana Bike for every girl and boy, if lightweight is your priority, then the LT is the one for you, if you’re after a cool cruising bike, then the GT is for you Find Out More... Bammax Balance Bike Baby Walker Bammax's simple design teaches baby how to steer and balance on three wheels with no pedals. Bammax balance bike allows for an easier and more successful transition to a pedal bike in future Not just A Balance Bike: Bammax baby bike is not just a baby balance bike, you can play on it as a baby walker or ride on toys for children.A good choice for littles who start learning walking Safer Way to Start Riding: 135° steering limit to avoid baby from accident falling down. No matter which direction your kids handle, there is always a secure protection Thoughtful Design: Long-lasting EVA widened tires prevent slippery and wear-resistant while allowing riders feel more in control. Suitable for various road surfaces, at the same time it won't hurt your floor Train & Master The Balance: Balance bike is good for babies’ balance skill development. Ergonomic Height allows children a slight bend in the knee and push the bike along, And allows kids to stop, steer and turn around with their arms and feet Strength and Skill Development: Balance is a useful skill that your child will learn from riding. Moreover, Riding a balance bike not only help build up your baby strength, but also develop their motor skills, coordination and agility Enjoy Exercise Fun: Bammax baby bike is also suitable for outdoor activities, such as a family bike ride. The earlier you encourage your kids to start exercising, the more likely they will develop healthy habits for life Convenient Assembly: The Bammax baby balance bike consists of only three major parts, and packaged with hand wrench, user instruction, give you an easy way to assemble and take out Find Out More… How Do I Teach My Child To Ride A Balance Bike? The point and effectiveness of a balance bicycle is that the child learns how to sit on their balance bicycle and ride the bicycle by walking with their feet on either side of the frame. As the child increases their skill and confidence doing this they can then go through a process of more complex motions that require better balance on their balance bicycle Stage 1: Walking Let your child be upright with a straight back and have them standing (all of their body weight on their feet), their goal here is to have their hands on the handlebars and walk around while still standing while pulling the bicycle around where they walk. Here they have the most amount of control and is the easiest stage of the process Stage 2: Sitting Let your child be seated on the balance bicycle and tell them to walk around (while still seated) and allow them to get a feel for maintaining a basic level of balance. The child will naturally feel the bicycle swaying to one side and will need to put there foot out and walk the bicycle into a balanced position again, this is the process that happens over and over again Stage 3: Running Next let your child be seated again on the balance bicycle and have them move the bicycle in a running pace, similar to the sitting process but the distinction here is that they are moving their feet at a far faster rate, as if they are sitting and running. This will be a step up in challenge however as your child moves through these stages they gain greater confidence and skill in balancing on their balance bicycle Stage 4: Gliding After your child can confidently run while sitting on their balance bicycle, next have them lift their feet once they have enough speed to glide around from the propulsion they get fromming doing a running foot pedal. This is the last stage in the process and will really increase their balance and coordination while riding There you have it, that's how you can easily get your child to ride a balance bicycle, following these four simple steps, it will allow your child to build up their muscles and balance effectively Bicycle Training Wheels While there is a lot of divided option on whether training wheels prohibit your child's learning when it comes to riding their bicycles, nevertheless it is still an option to choose from. A lot of the negative options surrounding training wheels claim that training wheels prohibit your child's learning as they learn to heavy (literally) on the training wheels when turning corners especially which means they are not actually learning to balance themselves on their bicycle There is even a “Balance Bike Clinic” in the city of Sydney, Australia that fast-tracks the learning process for children to transition from tricycles (bicycle with training wheels) to two-wheeled bikes by using small bicycles without pedals Nevertheless training wheels is still an option to choose from and is entirely up to the parent or guardian of the child to make their own mind when it comes to training wheels. If your all for training wheels here are some that I recommend to choose from: Clispeed Bicycle Training Wheels Are you worried about teaching your child to ride a bike? These bicycle training wheels will guarantee the security and stability which is necessary in the first ride training on the bike. Gives children the best start to develop their balance and confidence without holding the back of the saddle Adjustable Bike Training Wheels: Adjustable training wheels, suitable for Children's bicycles of 12"/14"/ 16"/ 18"/ 20". High-quality Bicycle Training Wheels: Adopt 5082 high-speed bearing, sturdy and durable, and it can realize height adjustment Cool Glowing Design: Cool glowing design when riding, rise kid's interest in learning bicycle Security & Stability for Beginner: Perfect bicycle accessories for those who are not skilled at cycling or afraid of falling Heavy Duty Bicycle Training Wheels: Made of premium strong metal material which can bear children without security problems Easy to Install: Package Including: 2 x Bicycle Training Wheels with all fixtures and fittings, easy DIY assembly Find Out More... Zosen Training Wheels For Kids Training wheels are additional wheels mounted on the rear wheel to maintain the balance of the bike. It is a good helper for bicycle beginners to reduce their fear and gradually learn to keep the bike in balance Material: Steel Bracket & Rubber Wheels Great Helper: These stabilizers designed for road practices, help beginners gradually learn how to balance on a bicycle Safe & Stable: 3mm thick high quality steel bracket arms will be more security and stability for bike beginner Suitable for Most Bike of 12 to 20 Inches: Comes with parts, they’re individually adjustable & easy to install For Single Speed Bikes Only: Please check that these training wheels are compatible with your bike Find Out More... What Type Of Bicycle Is Best For Them To Start Learning To Ride A Bicycle? I believe that a balance bicycle is the best way to go when teaching your kids the core skills that are essential when mastering their balance on their bicycle, once they master this core skill (of balancing on their bicycle) then riding a bicycle without the stabilizers is a lot easier and more rewarding for your child. However which bicycle you get has more to do with your own personal preference than any strict rules of how kids should learn to ride a bike What Is The Average Age For A Child To Ride A Bike Without Stabilisers? This can depend on your own (it’s not one size fits all approach) child and your judgment as their parent or guardian on weather your child is at the right age to remove their bicycle stabilizers however generally it’s from 2-8 years old How Long Does It Take For A Child To Learn To Ride A Bike? How long is a piece of string?...The answer to this question will greatly depend on your own child's ability and practice comminent. Once of the big factors is the enjoyment your child is getting from learning to ride their bicycle, if they are enjoying the process then they are more likely to learn riding their bicycle in a far shorter time than a child that is not enjoying it. However to give you a rough gauge, some children can pick it up in an hour to 5 hours, this will also depend on your child’s confidence and their coordination skills. I hope you enjoyed this article and if you have anything to add, then leave a comment down below. All of the information has been thoroughly researched and I have plenty of real world experience on this issue to add as well. Thanks for reading and enjoy!