A bicycle is one of the brightest attributes of a happy childhood. It is believed that the earlier the child gets on the bike, the better. However, you can teach a child to ride a two-wheeled bike at any age, the main thing is to follow some rules.
How to choose a two-wheeled bike for a child
When choosing a two-wheeled bike for a child, there are two things to consider: the weight of the bike and the size of the frame in relation to the child's height.
For a child 95-100cm tall, a 12 "frame is suitable, 101-115cm is 16", 115-125cm is 20 ", and a 24" frame is required for a child that is 126-150cm tall.
It is also important to consider the position of the foot on the pedal at the lowest torsion point. The leg in the sitting position should not be straight or strongly bent at the knee. The optimal height for a bicycle seat is the distance from the foot to the groin of the child.
When choosing the weight of the bike, conduct an experiment: have the child try to roll the bike himself, holding it behind the seat with one hand (the arm is slightly extended). If it works, the weight is chosen correctly.
Match a bright and loud bell to the bike so that the child can notify the people in front of his movement. For the first trip, you will also need a protection kit: a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads. Make sure that the fastening fasteners of the protective kit do not pinch the veins.
How to start learning to ride a two-wheeled bike
To teach your child how to ride a two-wheeled bike, choose a quiet, unpopulated place with a wide sidewalk. The first and important step is to learn how to keep your balance. Have the child sit on the bike and ride, pushing off alternately with their feet (scooter effect).
Then one foot should be on the pedals all the time (without twisting them), and the other should be pushing away (alternately). The next step is the jerk. The child should push off with one foot, and spin the pedal with the other, while immediately putting the pushing foot on the other pedal and continue to twist at an accelerated pace.
Teach your child to keep posture, encourage words. The phrases will help to achieve the desired psychological effect: “I believe in you, you can!”, “Wow, how confidently you hold the steering wheel, at your age I was afraid (afraid)”, etc.
In no case do not compare your child with other people's children: "Here Vasya has already learned at the age of 3, and you …" and do not question children's confidence in success and in themselves: "Come on, you’re a boy!" or: "Steering wheels are better, clumsy!".
Be relaxed and fun, encourage your child to believe that cycling is a game, fun and health benefits, not a hard fight for a medal, respect and love of parents. The child should be sure that you love and appreciate him, despite the minor mistakes.
