Daughter is riding.... Now what?!

gllewellyn
gllewellyn Posts: 113
edited November 2009 in Family & kids cycling forum
Yesterday my 5 year old daughter graduated from her balance bike to her proper bike without stablisers - I was very proud as you can imagine! (But it also means I have to deliver on my promise of a new Islabike Beinn 20 for her birthday!)

So now thats she up and going, I'm thinking about how best to teach her good technique - primarily:
    Starting from standstill by herself. Controlled use of the brakes. Steering around obstacles (instead of through them!). and so on until she can go for cycling proficency, etc
I know alot of it just comes with practise, but can anyone recommend any specific games/techniques/exercises for teaching the above? Or any online resources? Or shall I just try to devise something myself?

The balance bike is now being passed onto my 3 yr old boy, so I'm sure I'll be going through this process again very soon!

And finally how long do I leave it before I introduce track stands and bunny hops?! :P

G

Comments

  • Mike Healey
    Mike Healey Posts: 1,023
    Log on to www.bsca.org.uk and look up Trix Awards. We use them to develop kids skills from 5 upwards.

    they include such things as controlled stops, riding in straight. line, riding in circles, riding one-handed, etc., at bronze level. Once she's mastered most of them, try her on silver level stuff.

    Check the British Cycling website for your nearest Go-Ride club and see if they take kids as young as her.

    Good luck - your worries have just started.
    Organising the Bradford Kids Saturday Bike Club at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre since 1998
    http://www.facebook.com/groups/eastbradfordcyclingclub/
    http://www.facebook.com/groups/eastbradfordcyclingclub/
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    Does it cover riding with SPDs :lol:
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • simon_e
    simon_e Posts: 1,707
    Ditto the suggestion to find a Go-Ride accredited club. Ours has done improved my son's confidence no end since he started in March. They use small 'cones' with figure-8 and longer turning techniques, balance and co-ordination tips and games like slow racing. There's a coaching manual but I don't know if it's available to download.

    You could check whether Sustrans have a Bike It officer locally or have a look at http://www.bikeability.org.uk/ and these CTC pages. Is there a local CTC group? Does your council have any bike instructors?
    Aspire not to have more, but to be more.
  • gllewellyn
    gllewellyn Posts: 113
    Thanks for the replies. Have contacted my local club to see if they offer Go-Ride training - will let you know how we get on.

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