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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by GoldenRod
DC are 16 and 13, and neither one can ride a bike, and most of their friends can't, either. They don't see a reason to. I've spent a lot of time trying to teach them, but they have no desire to learn.
I love bike riding, so it's not that they aren't exposed to it.
Yeah, I don’t think this is unusual at all. I know lots of adults who can’t ride bikes and they don’t seem too broken up about it.
I see kids in my neighborhood ride bikes and someone may have shown them how to physically ride but no one taught them bike safety. They swerve into the street, don’t pay attention and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen a helmet.
Seeing how kids ride, I would actually prefer DD have no interest.
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Posted 7/26/19 7:35 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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nraboni
Uggh...
Member since 10/09 6905 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by Christine Braun - Signature Premier Properties
I agree with making the training wheels uneven... we did that for my DS, and when we took them off, he really just pedaled away on his own. He was able to do it without much teaching, but he was younger (in kindergarten), so an older child may be more fearful or it may seem less natural.
I've seen friends' kids struggle, and I think the issue is that they pedal so slowly and tentatively, because they are afraid of falling, that they can't get their balance. It's much easier to ride faster.
If your DD is beyond the point, then there ARE people who can teach your child to ride.
I am close to you in N. Bellmore, and one of my friends used someone named Mr. Pedals? (Well, that was his business name, lol). Maybe you can google it, but she lives in N. Bellmore, too, and hired him. I agree that Brands may be a good resource and be able to recommend someone if Mr. Pedals doesn't pan out. 
Have you tried letting her wear some protective gear? Even if you know it won't do much, it may be a mental thing and make her feel more secure. The first time my DS rode without training wheels, he put on elbow and knee pads that he had from deck hockey or something like that, and it gave him confidence. Maybe you can invest in some padding!
You are so right about pedaling slowly - she can't get her balance. We have told her that if she would try to pedal faster she would be able to balance.
We tried knee pads and elbow pads and they didn't really help her feel more secure.
She's a cautious child, always has been. So I know that has a lot to do with it.
I checked into Professor Pedals and it's definitely an option but a very expensive option - $110 per hour and he says it takes 1-5 lessions 
I spoke to someone at brands yesterday who gave me some pointers that I am going to try with her this weekend. They offer free lessons but he's pretty booked for the next few weeks.
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| Posted 7/26/19 9:12 AM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
My son is 10 and I gave up on him. Brand new bike collecting dust.
I didn't learn till I was 12 when I moved to Queens because everyone was riding bikes on my block. Growing up in Brooklyn we hardly rode bikes, it was maybe some boys.
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| Posted 7/26/19 9:28 AM |
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Sixofus
LIF Adolescent
Member since 10/13 594 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
The grass incline method totally works. And I also think a bike that is a little on the small side is better to learn on. We have a small hill in our backyard and my 6 year old just taught himself in the past couple of weeks. But he was also determined to get it. That definitely helped.
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| Posted 7/26/19 9:29 PM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7619 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by GoldenRod
DC are 16 and 13, and neither one can ride a bike, and most of their friends can't, either. They don't see a reason to. I've spent a lot of time trying to teach them, but they have no desire to learn.
I love bike riding, so it's not that they aren't exposed to it.
Yeah, I don’t think this is unusual at all. I know lots of adults who can’t ride bikes and they don’t seem too broken up about it.
I see kids in my neighborhood ride bikes and someone may have shown them how to physically ride but no one taught them bike safety. They swerve into the street, don’t pay attention and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen a helmet.
Seeing how kids ride, I would actually prefer DD have no interest.
Interesting. Most kids in my neighborhood - regardless of age - wear helmets. The police actually have a program where if you get caught riding a bike with a helmet, you get a free ice cream cone at a local place so maybe that’s a good incentive. My son has gotten like 5 free ice creams. The town also gives away helmets at the summer movie nights in the park.
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| Posted 7/27/19 11:43 AM |
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jlm2008
LIF Adult
Member since 1/10 5092 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
I am totally not meaning to be snarky at all, so I really hope it doesn't come across that way, but is there any reason she NEEDS to ride a bike? I never heard of it being something you need to do and it seems likes she does not want to, so why force her to do it? There are going to be plenty of things in life she is forced to do that she doesn't want, I don't see why you would push riding a bike. I did learn how, I was older, probably around 11. Rode the bike a few weeks and never touched it again. I am 40 now, still have no interest in it.
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| Posted 7/27/19 1:10 PM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by PitterPatter11
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by GoldenRod
DC are 16 and 13, and neither one can ride a bike, and most of their friends can't, either. They don't see a reason to. I've spent a lot of time trying to teach them, but they have no desire to learn.
I love bike riding, so it's not that they aren't exposed to it.
Yeah, I don’t think this is unusual at all. I know lots of adults who can’t ride bikes and they don’t seem too broken up about it.
I see kids in my neighborhood ride bikes and someone may have shown them how to physically ride but no one taught them bike safety. They swerve into the street, don’t pay attention and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen a helmet.
Seeing how kids ride, I would actually prefer DD have no interest.
Interesting. Most kids in my neighborhood - regardless of age - wear helmets. The police actually have a program where if you get caught riding a bike with a helmet, you get a free ice cream cone at a local place so maybe that’s a good incentive. My son has gotten like 5 free ice creams. The town also gives away helmets at the summer movie nights in the park.
That’s nice but shouldn’t there be consequences for NOT wearing a helmet? I thought it was NYS law for anyone under 14 to have to wear one?
Clearly there are no consequences where I live, either, so I guess it’s a shitshow everywhere 
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| Posted 7/27/19 6:44 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
My school district actually held a bike clinic where they taught kids how to ride! It was like 2 hours and she was a bike rider! Was awesome. One thing I thought was interesting was that they took off her peddles. Basically made it a balance bike. She used her feet to scooch herself down the lane and that helped her to stay steady. Once this was easier for her, they put the peddles back on and held the back of her seat as she went and eventually just let go. I couldn't believe how fast she learned.
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| Posted 7/28/19 12:53 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
I dunno, I think riding a bike is a life skill like learning to swim. Something that people can definitely use their whole entire life. We go many places on vacation that have bike rentals, and it's nice to just ride. However, my son is 20 and can't ride a bike. He has special needs. So he has an adult 3 wheeled bike, which is great, but when we go places and want to rent bikes, we usually can't because they don't have those types of bikes. But, we have a bike trail near our house and we always go bike riding on it. I was happy to have found something for him to be able to use to participate in the fun!
The BEST way to learn is take the pedals off the bike. Then have them learn to coast down with their legs out and down a small incline working on balance. Then put the pedals back on. That's how my daughter learned years ago.
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| Posted 7/29/19 8:59 AM |
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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11487 total posts
Name:
Völlig losgelöst
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
I also think riding a bike is a necessary skill. With the environment changing, I think it’s something they need.
That being said, I can see how she is being cautious. I fell off my bike when I was over 30 and broke my shoulder. So, yeah.
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| Posted 7/29/19 10:12 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
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..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
I learned as a kid and all, but I really never ride as an adult.
When we go away and I see bike rentals I never use them. I am not one for any kind of physical activity though (if given the choice I'll take an Uber! LOL) and I'm always scared of getting hurt.
I figure walking on my legs is safer than riding on a bike especially in areas with traffic.
I'm just way too nervous. I cringe every time DH takes DD out on her bike to be honest.
Message edited 7/29/2019 10:22:35 AM.
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| Posted 7/29/19 10:19 AM |
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CSK
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 892 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
For wht its worth, I just got my 8 yr old on 2 wheels. he struggled each year with me trying to teach him. I've done a few things, not sure if which helped or not. Started on balance bike as a 3 year old, that didn't work for him.
I think some of the concept helped, when I got a 3rd wheel for my bike and took him on rides even through age 7. Its pedals handlebars and a wheel attached. I think it helped with the leaning into turns etc.
I also used a handle. Mine was a T bar handle that attached to the seat and wheel sides. I got it from a neighbor, but similar in concept to
https://www.amazon.com/Balance-Buddy-Adjustable/dp/B07PKVQV84
That helped some too. eventually taking him a few weekends in a row to the school parking lot which was recently paved and running behind him got him there.
I think its a borderline necessary skill to have. One can make the same argument about driving a car or swiming. People can get by without it, but it is something most can do and comes in handy.
I love it and go on local trails with my mountain bike.
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| Posted 7/29/19 11:24 AM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
I would not equate riding a bike to swimming. If you fall into a body of water and can’t swim you die. You don’t die of having to walk, skip, hop, whatever instead of riding a bike.
I’m not trying to poo poo bike riding. I myself learned as a kid and most kids I knew rode their bikes. But the idea of borderline forcing a child with no interest seems silly to me. It’s absolutely a good life skill to have but IMO, not necessary to live.
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| Posted 7/29/19 12:03 PM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by LuckyStar
I would not equate riding a bike to swimming. If you fall into a body of water and can’t swim you die. You don’t die of having to walk, skip, hop, whatever instead of riding a bike.
Your last line, I'm dead.
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| Posted 7/29/19 12:06 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by LuckyStar
I would not equate riding a bike to swimming. If you fall into a body of water and can’t swim you die. You don’t die of having to walk, skip, hop, whatever instead of riding a bike.
I’m not trying to poo poo bike riding. I myself learned as a kid and most kids I knew rode their bikes. But the idea of borderline forcing a child with no interest seems silly to me. It’s absolutely a good life skill to have but IMO, not necessary to live.
Of course not, but it's definitely a useful skill to have in life
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| Posted 7/29/19 12:06 PM |
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jlm2008
LIF Adult
Member since 1/10 5092 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by LuckyStar
I would not equate riding a bike to swimming. If you fall into a body of water and can’t swim you die. You don’t die of having to walk, skip, hop, whatever instead of riding a bike.
I’m not trying to poo poo bike riding. I myself learned as a kid and most kids I knew rode their bikes. But the idea of borderline forcing a child with no interest seems silly to me. It’s absolutely a good life skill to have but IMO, not necessary to live.
LOL! Yeah, not a necessary life skill at all!!! But I love your first paragraph!
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| Posted 7/29/19 1:41 PM |
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busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2050 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
My son was always completely terrified to ride a bike. He fell one time and that was it. Recently, at 16, he decided one day while we were cleaning out the garage, that he was going to do it. He got on and off he went!
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| Posted 7/29/19 1:47 PM |
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by LuckyStar
I would not equate riding a bike to swimming. If you fall into a body of water and can’t swim you die. You don’t die of having to walk, skip, hop, whatever instead of riding a bike.
I’m not trying to poo poo bike riding. I myself learned as a kid and most kids I knew rode their bikes. But the idea of borderline forcing a child with no interest seems silly to me. It’s absolutely a good life skill to have but IMO, not necessary to live.
Of course not, but it's definitely a useful skill to have in life
Meh I can ride a bike, but I won't. It's so uncomfortable.
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| Posted 7/29/19 1:47 PM |
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Jennifer
Happy
Member since 5/05 4230 total posts
Name:
.
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by Sixofus
The grass incline method totally works. And I also think a bike that is a little on the small side is better to learn on. We have a small hill in our backyard and my 6 year old just taught himself in the past couple of weeks. But he was also determined to get it. That definitely helped.
omg I remember I would trade my bigger bike for my friends smaller bike because I felt more comfortable.
I felt like I could stop myself if I was going down.
I also remember my brother and I learned at the same time. He was 8 and I was 5. He took his training wheels off and I wanted mine off.
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| Posted 7/29/19 3:29 PM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by Katareen
Posted by tourist
Posted by PitterPatter11
Posted by Katareen
Posted by GoldenRod
DC are 16 and 13, and neither one can ride a bike, and most of their friends can't, either. They don't see a reason to. I've spent a lot of time trying to teach them, but they have no desire to learn.
I love bike riding, so it's not that they aren't exposed to it.
I’m actually astounded to read this!!!
Me too! All the kids in my neighborhood ride bikes ALL THE TIME!
My neighbor's kids are the same age & they don't ride either. They had scooters when they were little. our neighborhood isn't that conducive to bike riding, but there is a trail nearby.
I’m moreso surprised since I picture GoldenRod’s family to be very outdoorsy.
DS and I are outdoorsy. DW and DD are definitely not. DS and I camp, hike, etc. DS has done a 20 mile hike, a 15 mile hike, and several 10 mile hikes, so he doesn't mind exercising.
The kids in the neighborhood who do ride bikes never wear helmets, they ride in the middle of the road near blind corners, and they are often popping wheelies, so they have no control over the bike if a car comes. I am so surprised that they haven't gotten hit yet.
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| Posted 7/29/19 3:41 PM |
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hidingin1516
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 1009 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
so DD learned last summer at 8. Took many lessons and us being fraaustrated. I you tubed lots and ALL said take pedals off make a balance bike and she learned the day we did. It was amazing lol. we did it in the school lot. She learned then did not touch the bike again all summer. My neighborhood is not great. but this summer picked up on it no problem
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| Posted 7/29/19 5:39 PM |
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