1. The Right Bike:
2. Safety Gear:
3. Location, Location, Location:
Before you even think about pedals, focus on balance! Teaching your child to balance first makes the whole process smoother and less intimidating. Balancing is the foundation of cycling, so make sure they’re comfortable with this step. It will allow them to naturally learn to balance before pedalling, making the transition easier.
Ensure the bike is the correct size for your child. When they are sitting on the seat, they should be able to place both feet flat on the ground. This allows them to easily balance and push themselves along. Starting with the right equipment sets a positive tone for learning. A well-fitted helmet is non-negotiable. Make sure it sits level on their head, covers their forehead, and the straps are adjusted snugly. Safety pads for elbows and knees offer extra protection and can boost your child’s confidence.
Step 1: Balance First (Striding & Gliding)
Lower the saddle so your child can comfortably place both feet flat on the ground while seated. Take the pedals off (or use a balance bike).
Work through the stride-and-glide progression:
Encourage eyes up, soft hands, and looking where they want to go. Only move on once they can
glide, steer gently, and stop safely.
Step 2: Introduce Pedals
Once balancing and gliding feel natural, put the pedals back on. Keep the saddle slightly lower than usual to maintain confidence.
The hardest part for most children is getting started on their own, so teach the pedal-ready position:
That push gets the bike rolling, and momentum makes balancing easier.
Step 3: Start pedalling
Stand beside your child, offering light support at their back (never the handlebars). Count down together: “3, 2, 1… push!”
At first, keep rides short: push off, pedal a few metres, brake, and reset. Repeat several times until
starting off and pedalling feels smoother.
Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice
With the basics in place, gradually increase the distance. Add gentle turns, ride around a couple of
cones, or play simple games like “Traffic Lights” (green = go, red = stop). Keep it playful and positive,
with short sessions of 10–15 minutes.
Step 5: Mastering Starts and Stops
Now focus on consistency:
Keep repeating until starts and stops become second nature.
Always remember that safety is paramount. Before each ride, ensure your child’s helmet fits correctly
and that the bike is in good working order. Supervise them closely, especially when they are first
starting out. Choose safe locations away from traffic, and teach them basic road safety rules as they
progress. By following these guidelines, you can help your child develop a lifelong love of cycling
while staying safe.
Once your child can confidently cycle on their own, consider these next steps: