Learning to ride a bike is not only a big milestone for children but is also great for their health, mobility and confidence. That's why we provide cycling classes as part of our outdoor play for all our pre-schoolers, meaning together we can get your little ones whizzing along and signing up for the Tour-de-France before you know it!
All our pre-school children can start to learn how to use a balance bike at nursery. If it's something you're keen your little one joins in with, speak to your nursery manager or key worker to find out more.
What is a balance bike?
So first off, what is a balance bike? It's a simplified bike with 2 wheels, a low saddle and no pedals.
Designed for children as young as 24 months, the aim is for children to learn how to balance in motion without the complication of pedals. Balance bikes make what is essentially a complex skill, really fun and relaxed by dividing the learning process into two manageable stages:
Stage 1: Learning to balance 2+
Stage 2: Learning to combine balance with pedalling on a starter bike 3+
When and where to learn?
The ideal age to introduce a child to a balance bike is around their second birthday. However, the rate at which children develop the necessary motor skills for balance varies greatly, so if your little one can’t manage it straight away don’t worry jst look for signs they're ready to try again.
The best place to learn to ride a bike is on a smooth yet grippy level surface. Make sure your little one is wearing suitable footwear that supports and protects their feet, preferably not Crocs or sandals as these could slip about on the pedals.
And of course a correctly fitting helmet is a must!
Why learn to balance?
Balance is really important for developing physical confidence; which is pivotal in achieving success in almost every sport or physical activity, and a must in the process of learning to ride a bike. Building on that required confidence helps children to learn and achieve in other areas of their young lives too. The benefits of learning to ride a bike are endless!
How does a balance bike work?
The aim of a balance bike is to enable children to develop balance and steering skills at their own pace. Without all of those added complications of pedals, meaning your little one can concentrate on learning the art of balance by sitting on the saddle and propelling themselves.
How it happens in detail
The idea is that children start slowly by taking short strides keeping close contact with the ground. Right at the start, even getting on and off is an achievement as most childrens toys stand up on their own. Gradually, their stride gets longer and sitting comfortably in the saddle becomes familiar. You'll know when your little one has balancing mastered when you see longer gaps between strides and eventually both feet will lift off the ground as they whizz along!
Getting started
Help your little one to their bike, supporting them by holding them under the armpits from behind. The first thing your little one will learn the bike will fall over when they let go of the handlebars! Initially they will usually waddle very cautiously - this progresses to confident striding and on to legs-up scooting. Children progess at different speeds, so let your little one set their own pace.
Younger children will often ‘stand’ over the bike initially, rather than let the saddle take their weight. Try and encourage your child to sit down on the seat, but again let them take the experience at their own pace.
Remember, although children can become extremely proficient on a Rothan (balance bike) they do not possess the judgement to assess risk, so please make sure children are always supervised closely when riding.
First steps to learning to ride
Riding position
1. Feet on the floor
2. Slightly bent knees.
3. Bottom firmly on the seat.
4. Hold handlebars securely.
Learning to balance
1. Start walking whilst remaining seated.
2. Build confidence and take longer strides.
3. Balance will develop with speed.
4. Lift the feet and glide.
What happens next?
Children who have mastered balancing typically make a seamless transition to their first starter bike with pedals. Most children have required co-ordination developments necessary to enable them to pedal and balance simultaneously between the ages of 3 1/2 and 4 1/2. A balance bike will take them up to that point.
No need for stabilisers
Children who start pedalling small bicycles with stabilisers will find it much harder to learn to ride because they are not actually learning how a bike steers. A balance bike teaches balance beautifully as they intuit that it’s all about ‘leaning’ and stabilisers prevent the bike from leaning.