"Stabilisers,” or training wheels, can greatly lengthen the time that it takes a rider to learn how to cycle. This is because riders tend to lean onto the training wheels rather than develop their own balance when on the saddle. They also cause riders to lift their feet onto the pedals when stationary, which they will later have to unlearn when the training wheels are removed since 2-wheeled cycles topple over when stationary!

So avoid using stabilisers, as they will greatly delay your child’s progress! Instead, use a balance bike approach to develop their balance, where they develop their balance first before attempting pedalling! This is a far smoother, safer, and quicker way to learn how to cycle!

Remember that pedalling does not define riding. Balance does! You should stress this point to your child when teaching them to ride! You can give a couple of good examples: Cyclists don’t need to pedal when riding downhill! Motorcyclists also don’t pedal!

A balance-bike approach is far safer and better for learning to cycle for riders of all ages, and it will be fantastic for giving your child the confidence to ride. The approach involves your child pushing themselves along with their feet and then lifting their feet up to glide. A lower saddle position will be needed for this, and this will reduce the chance of falling since they can put their feet down whenever needed.

When your child learns to cycle using a balance bike approach, there is not normally any need for you to physically support them. If you do choose to support them, for example, to help them ride up an incline, then you can give them a little push by supporting them on, or between, their shoulders. There is no need for you to hold onto their bike. Not only will this do your back in, but it will also remove opportunities for your child to learn to balance themselves.

So long as the saddle can be lowered enough, all conventional bikes can be used as balance bikes. You can easily remove the pedals, as otherwise your child might knock their feet or legs into them when they scoot and glide along.

What are the benefits of a balance bike approach to cycling?

Why should you avoid training wheels, and what are the benefits of a balance bike approach for learning how to ride? Unii knows.