gathering momentum
Filed Under Tips & Tricks | May 12, 2010
A few springs ago we asked Willie Cromack of John Henry Bikes about getting kids starting riding with run bikes. But what comes next? How do we transition them to “big kid” bikes with daunting accessories like pedals and brakes? We thought it best to go back to Cromack for some more expert advice.
He says “riding is about distance, speed and balance. Most kids will consider the concept of pushing pedals around their third birthday.” When transitioning from a run bike to a two wheeler with pedals, a bike with a 16” wheel will have the longest life, as long as they can reach the pedals. Risen handlebars, à la a BMX bike, help kids sit upright, which they prefer.
If your tot is wedded to their run bike and shows no interest in a “real” bike, try positioning the transition as similar to moving from a crib into a big kid bed. You don’t have to get rid of the run bike right away, but play up their new bike as faster and bigger, just like mummy and daddy’s bikes. You can also set up guidelines such as only allowing pedal bikes for big rides with the family and run bikes for around the house. Your biggest goal is to get them liking bikes for the rest of their lives, so you never want to make them feel bad about choosing the run bike.
And Cromack’s top tips for getting them riding their pedal bike? Spending time with them. You can either take the old fashioned approach and run behind them or sign them up for a bike camp where they’ll get lots of exposure. If you’re doing it yourself be sure not to wait for weeks between rides, instead commit to something like riding seven nights in a row after work.
Here are Cromack’s top tips on making the transition easier:
- Pick a flat area that isn’t too hard for landing.
- Make sure they understand the idea that both feet are going the same direction…this is so they don’t start pedalling with one foot and then immediately brake with the other. They both go forward.
- Wear pads. Armour of some sort helps prevent the little bruises that can hold up the process. Gloves are a must, even if they’re ski gloves.
- Take the time and be patient with your little one. Once they get it, they get it for life.
- “No Mo…No Go.” Without momentum and speed they won’t be going fast enough to keep their balance.
- And it’s worth repeating: you need to put the time to get them off the right start.
Who knew that learning to ride a bike mirrored so many other parenting techniques…
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