5 Bad Habits to Avoid When Teaching Your Child to Ride a Bike

Traditional methods for teaching your child to ride a bike can get the job but they often come with some bad habits that should be avoided to keep them safe.

1. Not Bailing Out – Training Wheels

One significant issue with traditional training wheels is that they teach riders to rely on rigid support for balance. When transitioning to a two-wheeled bike, this reliance can become a safety risk. Riders often keep their feet on the pedals even as they lose control, clinging to the bike rather than bailing out to prevent a hard fall. This hesitation can result in more severe injuries since they can’t break their fall effectively. Teach new riders to recognize when they’re losing balance and encourage them to place their feet on the ground to stabilize. Tools like Flex Guiders are especially helpful, as they allow the bike to lean naturally, helping riders learn the instinct to put their feet down when they feel off-balance.

2. Leaning the Wrong Way – Training Wheels

Training wheels often create an unintended habit: leaning away from turns. This occurs because the rigid support of training wheels prevents the bike from tipping, making it easier for riders to turn without balancing. However, this unnatural lean becomes a major issue when transitioning to two-wheeled riding, where proper turning requires the rider to lean into the curve. Without correcting this, new riders will struggle to balance and navigate turns effectively.

To successfully transition, riders first need to unlearn the habit of leaning away from a turn. Flex Guiders are excellent for this stage of learning. Unlike traditional training wheels, Flex Guiders allow the bike to tilt naturally, teaching the rider the proper mechanics of leaning into a turn from the very beginning. This ensures that riders develop balance and coordination right away.

Additionally, setting up a simple obstacle course with cones or markers can help riders practice turning while focusing on leaning correctly. This fun and structured activity accelerates learning by reinforcing the natural motions needed for successful bike riding.

3. Bailing Out Too Early – Balance Bike

While balance bikes teach valuable balancing skills, they can also create a habit of “bailing out” too early. Riders accustomed to constant foot-to-ground contact may instinctively put their feet down at the first sign of a wobble, even when they could recover with a bit of effort. This becomes an issue when transitioning to a pedal bike, where keeping feet on the pedals is essential for gaining speed and maintaining stability.

Flex Guiders help riders find the proper balance between bailing too early and too late by providing just enough tilt to simulate natural biking mechanics. This teaches riders when to stick with the pedals and when to use their feet for stabilization. To reinforce this, practice on smooth, flat surfaces where riders can focus on building confidence and control at various speeds.

4. Not Going Fast Enough – Training Wheels

Training wheels allow riders to pedal at very slow speeds without fear of tipping, but this habit doesn’t translate well to independent riding. Without sufficient speed, it’s harder to maintain balance on a two-wheeled bike.

Encourage riders to gain momentum by starting with a gentle push-off and focusing on consistent pedaling. Practicing on a slight incline can help them naturally pick up speed while building their confidence.

5. Stopping with Their Feet – Balance Bike

Balance bikes teach riders to stop by dragging their feet, which is ineffective (and potentially unsafe) on a pedal bike. When transitioning, this habit can prevent proper use of the brakes.

Practice braking techniques by having riders start at a low speed and gently engage the brakes while keeping their feet on the pedals. This helps them build muscle memory for stopping safely without relying on their feet.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from training wheels or a balance bike to riding independently is an exciting journey, but addressing lingering habits is key to success. By encouraging proper balance, leaning, speed, and braking techniques, riders can overcome these challenges and gain confidence on two wheels. Whether using tools like Flex Guiders or simply practicing in a safe environment, taking the time to address these habits ensures a smoother and safer learning experience.

For more tips on learning to ride a bike, explore our other articles!