It has been just over a year since Aidan got his first bicycle. Except for a scary attempt at riding without training wheels in the street in front of our house, most of Aidan’s cycling has been in our driveway. Yet it took only an hour today to ditch the training wheels for good. Aidan went from riding a glorified tricycle to pushing off on his own and circling the parking lot of the nearby Baptist church. It was so exciting that Pam and I were high-fiving each other and wondering if Izzy would be following suit soon. When we got home Aidan called all his friends and relatives to say that he had ridden “on two wheels.”
Teaching Aidan to Ride a Bike
- Taught him that wearing a helmet is an integral part of bicycling.
- Allowed plenty of practice steering and pedaling with training wheels.
- Removed the pedals and lowered seat so his feet could touch ground.
- Found a smooth grassy hill with a gentle slope and lots of room.
- Allowed him to coast down the hill while running behind in support.
- Once balance was consistent, put the pedals back on the bike.
- Continued coasting down the hill and told him to start pedaling.
- Seeing he was ready for the next step, moved to a flat parking lot.
- Gave him a little push to get started and followed from behind.
- Showed him how to position his pedals to start from a dead stop.
Tomorrow afternoon we may go for a father and son bike ride at the Tennessee River Park. Unfortunately, this happens to be the same weekend that our camcorder is on loan at a wedding. However, since Pam’s camera (which we forgot this evening) can take short video clips, I should hopefully have something to post tomorrow. For detailed instructions on how to teach a kid to ride a bike, check out Bicyling’s article on How to Raise a Cyclist.
5 Comments
Congratulations Aidan!
You know, you just gave me an idea. Fuller outgrew his coaster bike, which he loved. Damon wants to build him another one, but too many projects, not enough time. Maybe we could get him a two wheeler and take off the pedals.
Glad to see you back. I enjoyed Pam’s posts while you were gone.
[quote post="421"]Maybe we could get him a two wheeler and take off the pedals.[/quote]
Izzy got a bike for Christmas, so I think that’s exactly what I’m going to do with it, too.
We did it! We found a 12 inch at the thrift store and took off the pedals, chain, and seat. Also, it is a girl’s bike, complete with pink wheels and frilly stickers. We plan on doing something about that.
Awesome! He will be riding circles before you know it. As for the pink…I’d suggest keeping the frame pink, but get some neon blue tires, grips and seat. Then have Damon stencil “Miami Vice” on the top tube. For the ultimate effect, make a sissy bar out of a pink flamingo yard ornament.
Actually the frame is a baby blue color. But I like the way you think!