Helping your kids discover cycling can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Sharing the thrill of conquering a climb without stopping and then zipping safely down the other side for the first time is something both you and your child won't soon forget. (I still remember my first one-speed bike with a coaster brake—and how hard I worked to see how far I could skid the rear tire.) These tips will help keep the journey fun for everyone.
GEAR UP Show your child how the helmet should sit on his or her head: When it's positioned properly, he or she should be able to see the front of the helmet, not just the visor. The strap adjusters should sit slightly below the ears, with the strap snug under the chin. I started putting helmets on my kids when they were big enough to ride in the bike trailer, so they felt natural when they started riding on their own. Gloves are also a key safety item. Kids fall a lot, and the first thing that hits the ground is usually a hand. Child-size gardening mitts are a great substitute for cycling gloves.
SAFETY CHECK Squeeze the brakes and check that they're contacting rims, not tires. Hold the front wheel between your legs and try turning the handlebar. If the bar twists, re-center it and tighten the stem bolt behind the handlebar. Lift the bike and give each wheel a spin—it shouldn't rub against the brake pads. Check tire pressure at least every other week. Kids love to ride over curbs, and low tire pressure will cause pinch flats and rim damage. Check the seat height regularly—a saddle that's too low can cause knee problems.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Stick to car-free trails and paths at first. Remember that most kids' bikes are relatively heavy for their size, so climbing hills will feel much more difficult to your child than to you. Explain that it's easier to climb by spinning in a smaller gear than by grinding in a big one. Find a grassy slope in a park to practice going faster and braking without skidding. Of course, a few skids can add to the fun—and improve kids' bike-handling skills. When your kids are ready, take them to low-traffic streets and intersections to teach them the rules of the road.
GO SOMEWHERE FUN Picking a destination shows your kids that bikes can be used for transportation. Pack a picnic lunch and ride to a park with a playground or pool. Carry extra water and snacks so it's easy to stop and rest whenever your kids want to.
BE PATIENT Some kids will take to the sport quickly and some, after showing no interest, will suddenly come around. Keep it fun and let them experience this new adventure at their own pace.
At what age should my child learn to ride a bike?
Kids will tell you when they’re ready, and every child seems to learn at his or her own pace. Visit your local BMX track and you’ll see five-year-olds racing, but other kids aren’t ready to go without training wheels until age six or seven.
*Alex Stieda, the first North American to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, with 7Eleven in 1986, leads tours and skills camps (stiedacycling.com).