Bike rides are a perfect activity to strengthen family ties. But first, you'll have to teach your little blond head to master the machine. Balance, starting, pedaling, braking, trajectory… discover the steps to master two wheels.
For the child to master the bike as well as possible, it is important beforehand that he tames the object. Give him time to observe the pedals, the harness, the handlebars, the wheels or the handles. Explain to him that pedaling allows him to move forward and that the brakes will help him to stop. Generally, the little loupiots start with a draisienne, these famous bikes without pedals that you just have to push with your feet. They allow you to practice. If he has never owned a balance bike, make your own "homemade balance bike" by removing the wheels from the bike you just gave him. Thanks to this exercise, he will be able to learn to find his balance.
One of the initial stages of cycling is precisely to find the balance so as not to fall when starting. It is very important that your child can place their feet on the pedals without looking at them. Indeed, if he is launched and one of his feet slips, he risks falling by looking at the pedals to replace his feet rather than visualizing the road. When starting, place the crank axle on top and ask him to place his foot there. This pedal stroke gives speed which will be essential in order not to fall.
Another interesting trick is to position yourself on a small slope. Push it lightly so that it can start on its own and once started, ask it to pedal. This will strengthen his technique, balance and pedaling strength.
Otherwise, the "1, 2, 3 start" method is also very effective if he tends to have trouble starting the first pedaling. The idea is to ask him to push his bike with his feet, then once started, put his feet on the pedals and then pedal.
Now that he has mastered the art of pedaling, he must also learn to brake. Front and rear brakes must be applied at the same time. If only one is activated or if the braking is done too abruptly, the wheel will lock and an imbalance may occur.
The last step is to learn how to deal with obstacles. Because knowing how to drive straight is not enough. Sometimes he has to take turns that are not easy to take, especially if they are very tight. The ideal is to create a small slalom circuit with blocks that help it to turn or circumvent obstacles. Make the turns tighter by bringing the blocks closer together. It's a good way to perfect it. Then, ask him to increase his speed.
Last thing:stimulate your child's reactivity so that he can manage traffic hazards. In an enclosed and secure place, ask him to drive at medium speed. At your "Stop", it will have to stop. Then, at the new "top", it resumes its course.
