Frequently Asked Questions

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When is the proper age to start learning to ride a bike?

Using our proven method, children as young as 3 years old can start learning to ride a bike. It usually takes a younger child longer than 4 weeks to develop the balance skills needed to ride unassisted, but it is definitely possible. My brother learned when he was 2.5 years old!

What supplies do I need to get started?

The bare necessities are a bike for your child, a good helmet, and a positive attitude. That is it. However, for convenience, I usually carry a stack of cones to help set up drills. If your child has a large imagination, you may not need them. You can buy a set of 20 cones from Amazon for less than $10.

How long does the entire training process take?

I would like to have every child who has practiced adequately to be riding after 3 weeks. I understand that all children are different. It might take shorter or longer, and that is okay. But I can assure you, the time and effort is worth it to see their face when they are riding for the first time.

How much time do I need to commit?

The minimum time commitment to effectively helping your child learn to ride a bike is approximately 3 hours per week. You can break that into separate training sessions however you like depending on your schedule. 1 hour on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday afternoons. Or 15 minutes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday after school, and the final 1 hour 45 min on Saturday. I recommend frequent, short training sessions during the week and a 1 hour session on Saturday.

Do I need to get my child a new bike?

Most often, no. If they already have a bike, you can almost always use that one as long as it fits properly. Just take the pedals off while training, and put them back on when they are ready to ride.

What is the right size bike for training?

Your child should be able to sit on their bike with their feet completely on the ground with a slight bend in their knees. If this is not the case, try to adjust the seat to the proper height.

Where should I practice with my child?

I have found the open parking lots of schools and large churches to be the best place to practice since they are usually empty most of the week after school and on Saturdays. If you can find one with a gradual slope, it would be even better. If you don’t have access to a parking lot, our driveway, the neighborhood park, or a grassy field would work too as long as there is aduquate space to maneuver.

How do I take the pedals and training wheels off the bike?

Flip the bike upside down so the handlebars and seat are touching the ground. Get a adjustable wrench and loosen the pedals in the direction of the back tire. Repeat on both sides. The training wheels should come off with a ratchet or socket wrench. You can visit the Parktool website if you need any additional help.

My child is embarrassed to practice in front of others. What should I do?

This is okay. It is a common feeling, especially in older children. If all their friends can ride a bike, they don’t want to admit that they can’t. Be sensitive to this feeling and try to practice in an open, empty parking lot with no one around to make them feel more comfortable. Stay positive and encouraging. Once they feel comfortable and see that riding a bike is possible, their confidence and motivation will ignite.

Isn’t your technique similar to a Strider bike?

Yes, the technique is exactly the same. However, the execution of that technique is slightly different. Why buy a new bike when you can use the one they already have? Also, I provide intentional drills and exercises to build your child’s balance faster than just pushing a strider bike around for a while. And when your child is ready to ride, you don’t have to go out and buy a new bike! It’s a win, win! Already have a strider bike? Then just use that one to learn and reward your child for learning to ride a bike by buying them a new one. They will love the challenge.

How much does it cost?

This online training program is free of cost. I just really enjoy helping kids learn how to ride a bike and teaching parents how to accomplish that goal.