Learning to Ride

This section of The Good Egg Guide to Cycling for Families includes tried and tested learning techniques for beginners, as well as where to find professional help with getting started, mastering the basics and staying safe on the roads.

Starting out
If you don't know how to ride a bike, the first thing to remember is that you are not alone. A surprisingly large number of adults have never learnt to cycle. The first thing to do is contact your local council and see if they offer free or discounted lessons. This will give you the opportunity to learn away from friends and family and by a qualified cycle instructor, with patience and time. They will want you to ride as much as you do!

Teaching your child to ride

Teaching a child to ride a bike can be a rewarding experience for both child and parent. The important thing to bear in mind is that all children learn at a different pace. Keep it fun and remain patient and they will get there in the end.

At what age should I teach my child to ride a bike?
There's no perfect age to teach a child to ride; all children vary in their physical abilities and desire to learn. Some children will learn at about 3 and a half, some may be as old as 7 or 8 – generally age 5 is considered to be a good time.

And finally, the occasional tumble or graze can be an inevitable part of learning to cycle, so be prepared!

www.dft.gov.uk/bikeability for cycle training schemes in your area.