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Dad Field Manual · Field card 118 · Outdoors

Teach a kid to ride a bike, balance first

Most kids don't struggle with pedaling. They struggle with balance. Take the pedals off, let them glide until balance clicks, then add pedals, stopping and steering in a few short sessions on a flat, empty lot.

Time
30 min a session
Cost
$0 with a bike and helmet
Ages
3 to 8
Where
Flat, empty pavement

What you need

  • A bike that fits now: seated, the balls of both feet touch the ground
  • A bike helmet that fits now, not one to grow into
  • A wrench or pedal wrench that fits the pedals (usually 15 mm)
  • Sidewalk chalk or a few cones, shoes or water bottles
  • Long pants or knee pads for a kid who's worried about falling

Before the first ride

  • Helmet on every ride, even a short one near home. NHTSA's two-finger rule: two fingers above the eyebrows, a V around each ear, two fingers under the chin.
  • Right-size bike. Too big is dangerous. Seated, with hands on the bars, they can put the balls of both feet on the ground.
  • Away from traffic. Learn on an empty lot or path, not the driveway or street. Many kids' bike crashes happen close to home.
  • Daylight only. Kids shouldn't ride at dusk or after dark.

Steps

  1. Fit the helmet. Two fingers above the eyebrows, a V around each ear, two fingers under the buckled chin strap.
  2. Make it a balance bike. Remove both pedals and lower the seat until both feet are flat on the ground.
  3. Walk, scoot, then glide. Walk the bike seated, then scoot and lift both feet to glide. Count the seconds and keep eyes ahead.
  4. Steer around the chalk. Glide along a chalk curve or around cones, leaning and turning the bars gently.
  5. Put the pedals back and learn the brake. Reinstall the pedals and practice stopping with the foot brake at a chalk stop line.
  6. Push off and pedal. One pedal near the top, push down, glide, pedal. Steady them by the back, never the handlebars.
  7. Play go-and-stop. Call go and stop, then have them ride a loop and stop on the line alone. End while it's fun.

If it stalls

  • If they're scared to lift their feet, make it smaller: scoot three times and lift for one second. Count it as a win.
  • If they keep looking at the front wheel, stand at the far end and hold up fingers for them to call out.
Longest glide, in seconds
Signed off: can do this.Signed by Date