With schools finishing up their programming and summer right around the corner (plus, today is National Bike to Work day), I thought this article to be timely.
Cycling experts are saying that the way most of us likely learned how to ride a bike is not the most effective way to get ourselves pedaling on two wheels. Rather, children should learn on their own how to balance and ride rather than be taught by someone else.
The article says that children as young as 3 can begin to teach themselves to ride by taking the pedals of their bike and lowering the seat to convert it to a "scooter". From here, children can learn the essentials of balance, steering and stopping while pushing with their feet on the ground. Eventually, the pedals can be replaced on the bike and the seat gradually raised until your child is able to zip along with the rest of the family. And don't forget, a properly-fitted helmet is essential bicycling gear.
Read more about Scooting Towards Riding a Bicycle.
What do you think? Do you know any kids who have learned to ride this way?
photo by RJ Ramos
3 comments:
Our 2-year-old has a "Skuut" bike this year (one of the wooden pedal-less ones mentioned in the article) and is doing great with it so far. Thanks for the encouragement that we're on the right track! This makes so much sense, when you stop to think about it.
We tried it, but since the pedaless bike wasn't very "cool" hehe refused.
Great work.
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