Balance Bikes: An Easy Way to Teach Toddlers & Preschoolers to Ride a Bike by Amanda Condio

Many people fear that it’s not safe for toddlers or preschoolers to start learning to ride a bike. On the contrary, I believe that cycling at a younger age is very good for children. I believe that it not only improves their fitness, but also boosts their mental attitude. Learning to ride a bike is mostly about balance. Here are four things I believe help parents teach children how to ride a bike more easily:

• Get kids to understand balance. Cycling is both a sport and an art. You really cannot get it right if you do not have the appropriate gear. For starters, get a balance bike. This may help children learn to maintain their balance and make it easier when they upgrade to pedaling. 

• Balance bikes are designed to meet children's needs. They come without pedals and normally without brakes. So, children can concentrate on striking a balance on their bikes.

• Make sure children can balance on a flat surface as well as on uneven ground.

• Teach kids how to balance while turning right, left, clockwise and counterclockwise. At this stage, patience is a virtue!