EveryManSkills
Dad and Family

How to teach a kid to ride a bike

To teach a kid to ride a bike, start with balance, not pedals: lower the seat so both feet sit flat, take the pedals off or use a balance bike, and let them scoot and glide on a gentle grassy slope. Once they can coast with feet up, put the pedals back on, steady them by the shoulders, not the seat, and let go early.

About 30 minutes to learnEveryday skill

Mark it once you can do it without this page open.

How to do it

  1. Fit a helmet: level on the head about two fingers above the eyebrows, straps forming a V under each ear, one finger under the chin strap.
  2. Lower the seat so the child can sit with both feet flat on the ground.
  3. Take the pedals off with a wrench, or use a balance bike.
  4. Let them walk, then scoot, then glide with feet up on flat pavement or a very gentle grassy slope.
  5. Practice braking, hand brakes or back-pedal, before adding speed.
  6. Put the pedals back on once they can glide for several seconds, and raise the seat slightly.
  7. Start with one pedal at the two o'clock position, steady them by the shoulders, and tell them to look ahead, not down.
  8. Let go early, keep sessions short and fun, and stop before they get tired.

Common mistakes

  • Starting with training wheels, which teach pedaling but not balance.
  • Holding the seat, which throws off their balance.
  • Practicing near traffic or on a steep hill.
  • Pushing on when the child is tired or upset.

Quick self-check

Three questions. Your last score is kept in this browser.

1. What should a child learn first?
2. Where do you hold a child learning to pedal?
3. How should the helmet sit?

Teach this to someone

A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.

Last reviewed . First published .