(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