Micro is all about everyday adventures and, along with scooting, getting out for a bike ride is one of the best ways to explore new and exciting places. Traditionally learning to ridea bike comes with a lot of bumps and bruises and it can be off-putting for a small child (and for their parents) to try and learn to cycle when faced with that prospect. It doesn’t have to be that way though. This short 3-minute blog will show you how to learn to ride a bike in the easiest and safest way, and hopefully without too many tears!

What's the average age to learn to ride a bike? 

The average age for a child to learn to ride a bike is between 3 and 7 years old.

When should a child learn to ride a bike?

The short answer is ‘when they are ready’. As parents know all too well, push a child into doing something before they are ready and it doesn’t usually end well. That said, most advice tells you that the best time to teach a child to ride a bike is before they are about 7 or 8 years old.  

How to encourage child to learn to ride a bike?

If your child is a bit reluctant, try working with them off bike first by playing some simple games that will help your child to gain a feel for their centre of balance and build up the skills necessary for riding a bike. HSBC UK Ready Set Ride by British Cycling has loads of games to try and a really user friendly website to give parents and carers some really good tips on how to get started.

How to learn to ride a bike without stabilisers?

Instead of moving straight onto a pedal bike with stabiliser wheels, balance bikes are a great introduction to cycling for smaller children, and quite often once a child is whizzing along on a balance bike there is no need for heavy clumpy stabilser wheels when they move onto a pedal bike because they have already found their centre of balance and are able to transfer the technique from one bike to the other. Balance bikes come in all shapes and sizes and are available from almost all children’s toy retailers as well as specialist bike shops such as Halfords. Micro offer three different balance bikes:                      

• The Chopper with its lightweight frame, chopper style handlebars and adjustable seat 
• The 2in1 Chopper with the option of putting training wheels to offer more support 
  
• The Deluxewith rear suspension and a standout design

How long does it take to learn to ride a balance bike? 

There is no set time frame, all children are different, and all will learn to ride a balance bike at a different pace. A confident 3-year might master it in a week, whereas a more timid or younger child might take months before they find their balance and confidence on a balance bike.    

How to learn to ride a bike quickly 

Follow the two steps above and your child will soon be ready for their first pedal bike but mastering those skills quickly is not always better. Let your child lead you as to when they are ready for the move to a pedal bike. Tempting as it is to hold on to the seat or handlebars of the bike when the child is learning, try not to as it undoes all the good balance work done previously on the balance bike. Instead, try supporting the child gently by supporting their upper back, lower neck or under the arms. Remind them to keep their chin up and to look where they are going, this helps with balance, steering and reduces wobble.

Can you learn to ride a bike on grass?

Yes! Short grass in an open, flat park or garden is actually the perfect surface to learn to cycle on as it cushions any falls that might occur.

Where to learn to ride a bike?

The local park, a large back yard or garden, anywhere where you have space and a flat surface (and preferably a soft landing).

Where can you go to learn to ride a bike?

If you would prefer for your child to learn to cycle with an instructor, then a simple search online will provide you with plenty of options for ‘learn to cycle’ courses such as those through minibikers.co.uk – the UK’s first afPE approved and accredited ‘learn to cycle’ programme for children.

Don’t forget a helmet!

Make sure your child has the appropriate safety equipment and that their bicycle is set up correctly and in good condition before they start cycling. Any bike shop will be able to give your child’s bike a service. Helmets can also be purchased from bike shops and other sports and toy retailers. Why not take a look at Micro’s range of helmets and accessories. We also offer a super handy ‘how to fit your helmet’ guide to help you make sure your child is as safe as possible while on their scooter or bike.

Make it a family adventure

Once your child has found their wheels and is a confident pedaller, a whole new world of cycling adventures can begin for your family. It’s a super way to explore the open countryside and get some fresh air. Enjoy!