|
When is the best time to teach a child to ride a two wheeler
|
When is the best time to teach a child to ride a two wheeler
Robert Daniels writes:
Is it better to ride a tricycle or a bike with training wheels until the child is ready to tackle a two wheeler? When is the best time to teach a child to balance? Riding a tricycle is a special skill if the child is assertive and wants to ride fast. It's a good introduction to vehicle dynamics. Bicycling has a different control mode because it requires balance, something only the fast tricyclists notice as they speed around corners leaning into the turn. At about three and then some, children are probably ready for a bicycle if they are tall enough. Super small bicycles are hard to balance because they have so little tip-over moment. Whatever you do, don't make an unstable tricycle of a bicycle. When the time is right, take a couple of ten minute outings with the child on the bicycle. Hold the bicycle from the saddle to help balance and don't let the child know when and if you let go. Jobst Brandt Palo Alto CA |
When is the best time to teach a child to ride a two wheeler
I taught my daughter ride a "two wheeler" at six. Shortly thereafter,
my son managed it at four. I got lots of exercise running around the street in front of the house holding the back of the seat. Kids can do more than most parents think. It generally only takes patience and a lttle help. Come to think of it, I respond pretty well to patience and a little help too. |
When is the best time to teach a child to ride a two wheeler
I've seen 3 1/2 yr olds ride a bike without training wheels. Most usually
kids learn between 4 and 7. A really good way to teach a child to balance on a bike is to take the pedals off and lower the seat so that both feet can touch flat on the ground. Let them scoot around using their feet on the ground. "R. Daniels" wrote in message ... My tandem partner's grand-daughter is three years old. Is it better to ride a tricycle or a bike with training wheels until the child is ready to tackle a two wheeler? When is the best time to teach a child to balance? Robert Daniels |
When is the best time to teach a child to ride a two wheeler
(Papayahed1) wrote in message ...
R. Daniels at wrote on 8/18/03 10:09 PM: My tandem partner's grand-daughter is three years old. Is it better to ride a tricycle or a bike with training wheels until the child is ready to tackle a two wheeler? When is the best time to teach a child to balance? Hi Robert- The last thing you're partner should do is try to "teach" him to balance when he is neurologically not ready yet. I'm sure there must be some kids out there who are ready at age 3 (I've never seen them tho), but most kids are motivated and able to accomplish this at age 5 or so. The one thing you don't want to do is to push him into it and make him fearful. Stick with the three wheeler, preferably something low and stable. The motion from accelerating, turning, etc. actually helps build the neural pathways through the vestibular system that will enable him to balance well later on. I did buy my son a "razor" scooter when he was 4. He kind of enjoyed that. He learned to ride a two wheeler around age 5 1/2. He is now doing 20-30 milers on bike trails. For club-type rides we use a trail-a-long. The child will "tell" his Grandparent when he is ready. Can't give a firm age either but I agree that the child will know he is ready. I rode a scooter around and graduated to a training wheel bike when I was ready. I was a year or so older than most kids who learned to ride a training wheel bike. I've come a long way in the 30 or so years since then including a number of centuries, a few bike tours, a dozen triathlons and biking to work on non rainy days. Neither of my parents were cycling enthusiasts (my Dad didn't ride a bike) so I don't know where I developed the love for cycling I have. Sometimes the more a child is pushed the more they resist. my $0.02 Andy |
When is the best time to teach a child to ride a two wheeler
|
When is the best time to teach a child to ride a two wheeler
one of the six billion wrote:
I've seen 3 1/2 yr olds ride a bike without training wheels. Most usually kids learn between 4 and 7. A really good way to teach a child to balance on a bike is to take the pedals off and lower the seat so that both feet can touch flat on the ground. Let them scoot around using their feet on the ground. "R. Daniels" wrote in message .. . My tandem partner's grand-daughter is three years old. Is it better to ride a tricycle or a bike with training wheels until the child is ready to tackle a two wheeler? When is the best time to teach a child to balance? Robert Daniels I have heard this before, but never hear anyway attest to its effectiveness. Does it really work? -- ***************************** Chuck Anderson Boulder, CO http://www.CycleTourist.com Integrity is obvious. The lack of it is common. ***************************** |
When is the best time to teach a child to ride a two wheeler
Chuck Anderson wrote:
one of the six billion wrote: I've seen 3 1/2 yr olds ride a bike without training wheels. Most usually kids learn between 4 and 7. A really good way to teach a child to balance on a bike is to take the pedals off and lower the seat so that both feet can touch flat on the ground. Let them scoot around using their feet on the ground. I have heard this before, but never hear anyway attest to its effectiveness. Does it really work? It's what I did to teach our daughter when she turned 4. Took her and the bike to our workplace parking lot on a weekend (big expanse of pavement with very gently slope and no traffic), took the pedals off and lowered the seat so she could coast and scoot around without fear of falling. After less than an hour I put the pedals back on and she was off and riding. No falls, no scrapes, and no need to run alongside. If only teaching her to drive had gone as smoothly. :) |
When is the best time to teach a child to ride a two wheeler
"Martha J. Retallick" wrote in message ... True confession: I didn't master riding a two-wheeler until I was 10 years old. And my folks started teaching me to ride when I was in second grade. But I grew up to become a bicycling addict g. Martha Retallick My daughter didn't ride a real bike until she was nearly ten also. By 11 she got her first road bike, took to the sport and competed at a high level until she was 18. Then her friends, parties and other indulgences got the best of her. The cycling took a back seat to things that make your eyes red in the morning. At 19 1/2 she is starting to ride again. Just can't believe how much fitness she lost. Somehow, I think it is going to come back... Hopeful Parent |
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:47 AM. |
|
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
CycleBanter.com