How can I encourage my son to ride a two-wheeler bike?

Question

My son is almost 6 years old and he broke the training wheels on his bike, so I told him he's old enough to ride on two wheels, like his big sister does. I did some research on the net about teaching him how to ride and I'm trying to have him push with his feet and balance the bike, and when he masters that, I plan to have him put his feet on the pedals while coasting, and finally, start pedalling the bike. It seems like a more practical way to learn to ride than having me run along with him and hold the bike (I did try that at first, and he won't let me let go at all.). *sigh* He seemed excited when I first showed him how to balance the bike and pick up his feet, but he's tried it three times, for about 5 minutes each time, and then he gives up and won't try anymore. It's like pulling teeth to get him out on the bike. How can I "light a fire under him?" I want him to learn to ride so I can take him on bike rides with his older sister. Anyone have ideas that have worked?

Answer 1

if you find a way let me know too, my 9yr old wont do this and it makes me so irratated lol

Answer 2

1) Absolutely don't make it an "issue". It's just riding a bike - he shouldn't feel stressed.

2) Do this in a safe area, grassy preferably, so if he falls, he doesn't get hurt.

3) Walk with him and help him balance. Occasionally, when you think he can handle it, and won't notice, let go of it, and let him go on his own for 20 feet or so. Then let him know he's going by himself - he'd probably be most pleased and surprised, and without the stress of fretting about going on his own - because he's already done it.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You shouldn't have to bribe him, just keep him out on his bike longer. Try this, hold onto him and keep him steady and let him pedal then do that a few times tell him to stop while your still holding on, then after he gets used to it just hold onto him for like half the ride he was doing before and if he keeps steady he knows how to ride it and he will see and realize what he has to do to stay sturdy on his bike. It might be too hard for him to learn by using his feet on the ground your probably better off just running around with him :/ Good luck with that.

Answer 4

I agree with above comment.
Don't pressure him. Let it be. Riding / or not riding a 2 wheel bike does not make or break your child. He will ride when he is ready.

Get him around his peers. Doing what 'Johnny' does has a great impact on kids. (Unfortunately).

Answer 5

Leave him alone and let him do it himself. Stop pushing. Stop nagging. And stop comparing him to his sister. " I told him he's old enough to ride on two wheels, like his big sister does." He is NOT his big sister, never WILL be his big sister he is an individual. He will ride his bike when HE is ready.

Answer 6

I found that leaving my 6 yr old son alone with his stepfather helped because my presence was what was holding my son back. I was pressuring him too much and he wasn't enjoying the learning. Plus he had some good quality alone time with my partner.

Answer 7

Tell him when he learns to ride a two-wheeler you will give him a speical surprise. Then follow through with it because he will remember if you don't!

Answer 8

Tell him his favourite super hero was the same age when he rode his two wheeler, and if he does too he may develop his own super powers.

Answer 9

just go buy a new set of training wheels forcing him to ride when he isnt ready will do more harm than good

Answer 10

tell him that only very special boys learn how. that its really easy but most people think its too hard. if he tries, he'll be very special and brave.