At Strider, we’ve studied, practiced, tweaked, and witnessed the bike-riding process thousands of times since 2007, and we know there’s no need for frustration OR (our dreaded nemesis) training wheels!
Prepare to grab an ice-cold beverage, a lawn chair, and a pom-pom or two after you read our top tips to make your little one’s transition from balancing to pedaling a thrilling spectator sport.
Read before you ride: Why should I avoid training wheels when teaching my child to pedal?
We’ve said it before in many different ways over the years, but the short of it is this: Training wheels are the enemy of confident, successful young riders. Without a sense of balance and the self-assurance needed to keep a bike upright and moving on their own, kids are at a disadvantage when they are suddenly forced to learn how to pedal, brake, turn, watch their surroundings, AND balance on two wheels all at once.
Furthermore, balance will be an important part of your kid’s life even when they’re not on their bike. Balance is key in nearly every physical sport and activity and especially your child’s development. With training wheels on, kids will have a false sense of security and no idea how to properly sit, stop, and steady themselves. This small accessory — that kids don’t really need — will impact their skills, resilience, and growth in major ways. That’s why we’re so passionate about getting kids on balance bikes early!
1. Watch for the Signs
Before you start gauging your little one’s abilities, know that neither age nor size alone are good predictors of pedal readiness. Typically, kiddos who start as babies on the Rocking Bike and then ride their Strider 12 Sport without the rocker are ready to begin pedaling quite early. Why? Because BALANCE is the most important skill kids need to have before learning to ride a pedal bike!
That’s why, regardless of when your child begins biking, we recommend all kids start on a balance bike before they get on a pedal bike. Our Strider 14x is one of parents’ favorite tools for the job — this awesome model starts as a balance bike and easily allows for the addition of pedals when your child is a balancing pro.
Check out our size and fit guide to see if your child is ready for the 14x or if they can start their balance bike journey on the 12 Sport or 12 Pro.
In the meantime, watch for these signs; they’re good indicators that your rock star is ready to pedal.
“While riding a Strider Bike, my child…”
- can support all their weight on the seat.
- is able to gain momentum by running with the bike.
- balances with feet up for extended periods.
- is able to avoid obstacles in their path.
- can lean through turns with feet off the ground.
- is able to easily find and use the footrests while riding.
- can control their speed.
- is able to stop safely with only their feet.
2. Ignore the Pedals
If you’ve answered “yes” to most of this list, it’s a good sign your child has mad balancing skills worthy of pedals — but don’t get too focused on them just yet! If there is one thing we know and see over and over, it’s that pedaling will happen naturally over time. Don’t put too much pressure on the pedals while your rider is learning. They might be at this stage for several weeks, days, or (for some kids) hours. Everyone is different — trust the process and let them have fun along the way!
When you first install the 14x pedal kit, you’ll notice the “stride-around” pedals are uniquely narrow to allow little riders to focus on their balance and use the pedals sporadically until they’re ready to commit. Let your kiddo get used to the weight and feel of the bike with pedals attached. Encourage them to lift their feet and look forward while they play, ride, and get used to the new additions.
3. Encourage Pedaling
It’s the moment of truth. The time to shine. The real deal. The crux… It’s time to introduce pedaling! Encourage your little rider to take a few big strides and set their feet on the pedals. If it seems like they need a little help at first, place a hand on their back to help steady or to give a push. Don’t hold the bike for them at any point as it throws off their balance and causes them to rely more heavily on your help.
It's best at this point to give your child some space and allow them to work through the process. Be prepared for the possibility of some tears and frustration while they adjust and push past the challenge of learning a new skill. Model resilience by staying calm and collected and be sure to help them recognize the things they are doing well.
If they need a bit of inspiration, get out your bike and show them how you pedal. Most kids do best with trial and error at this point — sometimes the best thing grown-ups can do is step back. They will likely go back and forth between striding and pedaling for a while or only pedaling on slight downhills. Don’t fret — it won’t be long until they are pedal pros!
4. Teach Safe Braking
After pedaling, the next important skill to master is stopping. At first, your little one will instinctively stop or catch themselves by putting their feet down on the ground — the same way they’ve learned to stop while riding in balance mode. This is totally fine while they’re still building their confidence and while the seat is low enough that they can easily stop this way — but the time to practice other braking methods is now!
Coaster brakes can be tricky for new riders to get used to after all the work they’ve put in learning how to pedal forward. When you’re teaching your little rock star this method, telling them to pedal backward can be confusing and counterproductive. Instead, try telling them, “Push back with your heels” (you may need to show them where their heel is). Show them how to make skid marks and then have them try; it’s a fun way to learn to brake! Once they’ve got it down, raise the seat so that their toes barely touch the ground while they’re seated and let them soar.
5. Prepare for Endless Outdoor Adventure
Now that your little ripper isn’t so small anymore, they’ll be ready to have even more outdoor fun with friends and family — especially on their Strider 14x. Be prepared for lots and lots of races around the block or even at your favorite vacation spots! With increased speed and ability to pedal a bike just like you, there’s no stopping them now.
Learning to ride a pedal bike is a true childhood milestone. The moment can be a bittersweet marker of growth, independence, and freedom for your child. And it’s just the beginning of all of the ways your little pedaler will make their way through this big, wide, beautiful world. Now, grab that tissue, wipe your eyes, blow your nose, and be your kiddo’s loudest cheerleader.
