Learning How to Ride a Bike

Learning to ride a bike is a huge childhood milestone—right up there with tying shoelaces or learning to swim. It’s not just about developing balance and coordination, but also about growing confidence, independence, and that sweet feeling of freedom when the wind hits your face.

Whether your child is just starting on a balance bike or ready to try pedals for the first time, summer is hands-down the best time to start. Why? The weather’s better, the days are longer, and with school out for the holidays, there’s more time (and less pressure) to practice without rushing.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to teach your child to ride a bike—from choosing the right one to building up skills step by step. Plus, we’ve included helpful tips for keeping the experience fun, stress-free, and full of sunshiney summer joy.

Let’s face it—no one wants to learn to ride in the wind and rain, especially not little ones. Here’s why summer makes everything easier:

• Longer days mean you can squeeze in short practice sessions after dinner or during early mornings when it’s cooler.

• No school schedule gives children the time and energy to focus on mastering new skills without the fatigue of a full day in the classroom.

• Better weather allows for more consistent practice without being rained off every other day.

• Open spaces like parks, playgrounds, and empty school car parks are often quieter during the holidays.

The more relaxed summer rhythm gives kids the time to progress at their own pace, and for families, it turns learning into a shared adventure rather than another task on the to-do list.

Before anything else, make sure your child has the right bike for their size and stage:

Balance bikes are low-to-the-ground bikes without pedals that help children develop balance, steering, and confidence before transitioning to a pedal bike. They’re light, easy to control, and the perfect starting point for most children.

👉 Tip: The Banwood Balance Bike (like our bestselling pink one) is a gorgeous and sturdy first ride for little learners. It’s lightweight, stylish, and built for years of outdoor fun.

If your child has already mastered balance, it’s time for a pedal bike. Avoid stabilisers (if you can)—they can actually slow down the process. Instead, look for a lightweight bike with:

• A low standover height

• A foot brake or child-friendly hand brake

• No gears (they’re not needed for first-time riders)

You’ll want somewhere:

• Flat and smooth – Think tarmac or short grass for soft landings.

• Open and traffic-free – Parks, empty tennis courts, or school car parks are ideal.

• Not too busy – You want space to wobble without an audience.

Summer is ideal because many school car parks, recreational areas, or even quiet suburban streets are empty and peaceful during the day.

All you really need:

• A well-fitted helmet (make sure it’s snug but comfy)

• Closed-toe shoes

• Shorts or leggings (to avoid caught fabric or grazed knees)

• Optional: cycling gloves, elbow/knee pads, or a handle for you to hold (but not necessary)

Keep snacks and water close—learning to ride is thirsty work!

If your child is still on a balance bike or transitioning from one, this is the key phase.

• Let them scoot, glide, and zoom at their own pace.

• Encourage them to lift both feet and coast for a few seconds at a time.

• Use gentle slopes to build confidence without pressure.

Children who start on balance bikes often skip stabilisers completely and can transition to a pedal bike very quickly—sometimes in a single afternoon!

When your child is confidently balancing and coasting, it’s time for pedals.

1. Lower the seat slightly so their feet can easily touch the ground.

2. Have them practice starting position: One pedal up (like at 2 o’clock), foot ready to push.

3. Hold the back of the seat gently (not the handlebars).

4. Encourage them to look ahead, not down at their feet.

5. Give a gentle push (if needed) as they pedal off.

6. Let go! Stay close but don’t hold on too long—it’s important they learn to balance independently.

At first, they may pedal just a few metres before wobbling. That’s okay! Lots of praise and short practice bursts go a long way.

You’ll make faster progress with 15 minutes of positive, focused riding than an hour of frustration. Some children take off in a day; others need a few weeks of steady encouragement.

• Complaining their legs are tired

• Asking to do something else

• Getting frustrated or upset

Make it fun, take breaks, and end on a high whenever possible.

Every successful pedal, turn, and brake deserves celebration—big or small. Consider:

• A sticker chart

• A photo of their “first ride” moment

• A certificate you make together

• A celebratory picnic or ice cream outing

These moments become treasured family memories, and they’ll give your child that boost of pride and motivation to keep going.

Let them walk the bike around, sit on it, or coast gently until they’re ready. Try grass or a gentle slope for softer landings.

Practice the foot-on-pedal launch indoors or holding a railing. It’s all about building muscle memory.

Go back to a balance bike or slow walking turns. Use chalk to create paths or pretend roads.

That’s okay! Put it away for a week or two and try again when the spark returns.

Once they’ve got the basics, turn practice into play:

• Bike Limbo – Use a pool noodle or stick across two cones and see how low they can go.

• Follow the Leader – Take turns leading a ride through cones or over chalk lines.

• Treasure Hunt – Hide small items or draw clues with chalk for a garden cycling quest.

• Bike Parade – Let kids decorate their bikes with ribbons and stickers, then ride in a family parade.

There’s something extra special about learning to ride in the summertime. The sun on your back, a gentle breeze, and the pure delight of pedalling forward on your own for the first time—it’s a rite of passage and a memory your child will carry forever.

So grab the helmets, head to the park, and let the summer magic do its thing. This could be the summer they never forget.

Looking for a beautiful balance bike to begin the journey?

Explore our handpicked collection of toddler-friendly, design-led bikes—perfect for summer adventures.