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We all remember our first bike ride. The feeling of excitement and freedom! Soon enough, cycling through cobbled streets or escaping to the countryside on your own opened a whole new world. Here at Bobbin we have a few stories to tell\u2026 We are often asked how long it takes to learn a skill like bike riding. As every child is different, it can take as little as 45 minutes up to a couple of weeks to teach a child to ride a bike. Here are our tips on how best to do it.<\/p>\n
Before Cycling<\/strong> Sizing<\/strong> Assembly<\/strong> Safety<\/strong> Wear a helmet and stay visible: Check out a helmet size guide, and make sure it fits them comfortably by using the adjustable straps, extra padding, and clip. And for fun, add some tassels to fly behind them as they cycle off into the distance!<\/p>\n Standing<\/strong> Sitting<\/strong> Running<\/strong> Gliding<\/strong> Look forward. bBrand new bike! \u201cMust look down to feel safe.\u201d\u00a0 We see this reaction in first-time riders all the time. It\u2019s totally natural. But we recommend getting them to look forward from the off. Not only does this help with balance but avoids any accidental bumps and crashes en route.<\/p>\n Little and often<\/strong> Practice pedalling<\/strong> Practice braking<\/strong> For Bikes without stabilisers<\/strong> This brings a sense of familiarity and stability to otherwise unfamiliar territory. Removing one pedal allows them to practice pedalling with one foot, and scooting along with the other, a la balance bike riding. Once they\u2019re confident with this, you can remove the second pedal.<\/p>\n Make them feel comfortable<\/strong> Follow them<\/strong> Now – It\u2019s Cycling Time<\/strong> About Bobbin Bikes<\/strong>
\nBefore they start to learn, there are a few things we recommend checking:<\/p>\n
\nFirst thing\u2019s first, getting the size right will make learning to ride ten times easier. Grab a tape measure, and measure the inside leg of your “mini-me”. If their inside leg is within the size guide for that bike, they\u2019ll be comfortable on the bike. Size up for confident riders or stick lower if they\u2019re a beginner.<\/p>\n
\nThere are 3 key areas to consider: stabilisers, saddle height, and handlebar height. The stabilisers can easily be attached and removed behind the rear wheel nut. For both the handlebars and saddle, it\u2019s important not to pass the minimum insertion line. Both settings are down to personal preference. Higher handlebars will give a more upright riding position – lower will feel more like a racing bike. A lower saddle may feel safer, but higher up will make it easier to pedal. We\u2019ll let you decide on this one – there are no wrong answers!\u00a0 (Image Credit: Instagram\/@black__onyx)<\/p>\n
\nBefore taking to country parks and trails, we recommend learning on tarmac. This gives a smooth, even surface, ensuring pedalling is easy, with no tricky and unmanageable terrain to combat. Top tip: a slightly sloped surface will allow them to gain some forward momentum, increasing confidence early on.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/west-kent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/Bobbins-2-225x300.jpg\")
On Your Bike<\/strong>
\nSo, they\u2019ve received their brand-new bike. Now it’s time to get pedalling.
\nFor balance bikes<\/p>\n
\nThis stage can be the most daunting, and often takes the longest. What\u2019s this strange new 2-wheeled vehicle in front of me? Be patient and let them get used to the feel of the bike. They can stand over it and walk it a few paces at a time.<\/p>\n
\nSo, they\u2019ve had a few strolls around the block with their new bike. Next up – let them sit on the saddle and have them push off with their feet as above. If they\u2019re confident, getting them around other riders at this point can be great and can ignite their passion for cycling! But, if your mini-me is shy, helping them learn on their own may be more helpful as they concentrate on themselves.<\/p>\n
\nBy this point, they\u2019re ready to become fully-fledged all-terrain cyclists. It\u2019s best to get them somewhere open with lots of space to explore. Believe us, they\u2019re going to love flying away on this bike, and you\u2019ll need to run after them. They\u2019ll often have one foot off the floor at this point, so helping them learn to balance is key.<\/p>\n
\nWith the new feeling of freedom on the horizon, it\u2019s time for them to get excited. From here, it\u2019s helpful to get them used to all sorts of new terrain, and practice new things like going up\/downhill, and cornering. All you need to do is stay nearby for any accidental topples and enjoy watching them on their new adventure! (Image Credit: Instagram\/@sarahsandha)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/west-kent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/Bobbins-1-221x300.jpg\")
For Bikes with stabilisers<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nIt takes everyone a different amount of time to learn. But it\u2019s usually best to break this down into 5-10 minute sessions. Keep them interested and excited, and they\u2019ll be flying along in no time.<\/p>\n
\nThe benefit of stabilisers is that the balancing aspect of riding is all taken care of. This can be a great opportunity to get them used to some of the more technical bits and bobs. You can have them place their foot on the pedal whilst you rotate them gently by hand, so they get used to the motion. Then ask them to recreate this themselves.<\/p>\n
\nOnce they\u2019ve got the hang of the above, you\u2019ll want to teach them to brake. Hold them on the bike as they pedal, and practice coming to a gradual stop. You can demonstrate this by showing them the effect of squeezing the brakes gently and powerfully.<\/p>\n
\nInitially, it can help to lower the saddle slightly. This helps with balance, as they have a lower centre of gravity, and will make them more comfortable in case they need an emergency stop.
\nRemove a pedal and dance the 1 pedal scoot<\/p>\n
\nThe easiest way to do this is to have them sit on the bike, both pedals attached and stationary. Have them hold the brakes and give the bike a little \u201cwiggle\u201d from side to side. This shows them the bike is steady, safe, and nothing to be frightened of.<\/p>\n
\nYou can keep hold of their clothes from either side as they take their first few rotations. As they gain confidence, let go of them to balance on their own for a few rotations, before catching them again. This will help build confidence, and you can leave them on their own for longer each time.<\/p>\n
\nSo, you\u2019re now an expert at teaching your little one how to ride a bike. Remember – everyone learns at their own pace. The most important thing at this stage is to let them enjoy this very exciting new adventure – and, of course, to let them know how super cool they look on their new bike. Good luck, and happy cycling!<\/p>\n
\nLaunched in 2007 Bobbin is a London based independent bike retailer offering vintage style bikes in pastels and beautiful bright shades.\u00a0 Bikes are available for adults and children – starting from age 2 with balance bikes.\u00a0 They offer a range of complimentary accessories including wicker baskets, pannier bags, helmets and bike decorations. (Image Credit: Instagram\/@ajemackie)<\/p>\n