Teaching your child to ride

Most bike seats are only suitable for children up to around three years, depending on their weight and height, and while you can continue to carry your child on a freight bike or trailer until they are five or six years old, you might want to think about starting them on their own cycle adventure.

From the age of around three, there are plenty of ways for your child to develop and gain confidence before going solo on two wheels.

Balance bikes

With no pedals to master, this is a great way for children to learn to balance, steer and build up their confidence on two wheels while being able to place their feet firmly on the ground. Visit the Sustrans shop to buy a balance bike.

Tag-alongs

Tag-alongs, where the back half of a child's bike is attached to the back of an adult one, offers your child the chance to 'ride' without worrying about keeping up! Your child can add some of their own pedal power, or just freewheel and enjoy the ride.

Trikes

Trikes, or tricycles, allow your child to master pedals without falling off. Kids get all the fun of getting around independently without having to worry about balancing.

Training wheels

Stabilisers provide support to the rear of the bike.  They are an easy way for your child to learn but potentially the slowest as they won't be mastering their balance. If you do use them, gradually lift the stabilisers off the ground to provide less and less support so they develop their balance. Top tip: bikes with stabilisers should lean a little because if the bike doesn't lean, the rear wheel isn't on the ground and the brakes will be ineffective.

Ready to move on from stabilisers?  Our Ditch the stabilisers (pdf) sheet is a useful, step-by-step guide on how to go about it.

Buying your child's first bike

By the time your child is around four they will probably want their own bike. Read our Buying a bike and basic kit section for advice on choosing the right bike or visit your local, independent bike shop where your child can try out different sizes. Visit the Cycling Experts website to find a specialist bike retailer in your area.

Going it alone on two wheels

Learning to ride, even with stabilisers, will be fun but scary - for both of you! Emphasising the exciting aspect will help your young adventurer take the tumbles in their stride and plenty of praise will help them persevere.

Choose a quiet, flat spot that's free of obstacles and traffic for those first few lessons - a green park or your nearest traffic-free cycle path on the National Cycle Network is ideal.

Lots of parents run alongside the bike holding the seat with one hand and the handlebars with the other but this can actually stop your child from learning to balance themselves. Try placing one hand lightly on their shoulder instead and then when your child is happy - let go! Don't forget to remind them to keep pedalling and looking straight ahead.

When your child starts school they will probably want to cycle. Remember, they can cycle on the pavement for now, as long as they pay attention to people walking, but when they want to cycle with you on the road - from about age seven - sign them up for Bikeability training. There are three levels to teach your child road sense, confidence and bike maintenance - and give you peace of mind.