Teaching Your Child to Ride: A Mother's Guide to Choosing the Perfect First Bike

Right, so my daughter's been asking for a bike for months. Months! And I keep putting it off because, honestly, the whole thing terrifies me. Not the bike bit - the teaching bit. Remember learning yourself? Probably not, you were too young. But I remember teaching my nephew last year and... well, let's just say it involved tears. His, not mine. Actually, both of ours if I'm being honest.

Thing is, teaching kids to ride isn't just about the bike, is it? It's this massive milestone that somehow represents freedom and growing up and all that emotional stuff that makes you want to cry in Halfords. Bobbin Bikes seems to get this - they're not just selling bikes, they're selling those wobbly first moments that stick with you forever. Their kids' bikes look proper sturdy for little ones finding their balance, and their women's bikes are perfect for mums who want to cycle alongside (assuming we remember how ourselves).

Getting the size right 

My mum bought my brother a bike that was way too big when he was six. "He'll grow into it," she said. Three years later, he still couldn't reach the pedals properly. Don't be my mum.

When your kid sits on the saddle, both feet should touch the ground. Not tippy-toes like they're doing ballet, proper flat-footed contact. If they're stretching or dangling, the bike's wrong. End of.

Handlebars should be about saddle height, maybe bit higher. If they're hunching over like they're racing in the Tour de France, or stretching up like they're trying to reach the top shelf, something's off.

Here's the thing nobody tells you - a bike that's too big is scary. Kid can't control it, can't stop properly, ends up terrified. Bike that's too small is just annoying and they'll outgrow it in six months. Get it right first time.

Safety stuff (the boring but important bits)

Brakes that actually work. Sounds obvious, doesn't it? But some kids' bikes have brakes that need the grip strength of a weightlifter. Coaster brakes are brilliant for beginners - pedal backwards to stop. Simple. Though here's the annoying bit - most bikes in the UK don't come with coaster brakes, so you'd probably have to buy them separately and fit them yourself. Bit of a faff, but worth it for nervous beginners.

Chain guards are essential unless you enjoy explaining to your child why their shoelaces are now permanently attached to their bike. Also stops little fingers getting pinched, which is always a bonus.

Reflectors everywhere. Even if they're just riding in the garden, good habits start early. Plus kids love anything that's shiny and makes them feel important.

Quality matters more than you'd think. Wobbly wheels, loose bits, cheap components - they make learning harder and potentially dangerous. You don't need to spend a fortune, but don't buy the cheapest thing you can find either.

Teaching techniques 

Forget everything your dad did. That whole running behind the bike holding on then letting go thing? Terrifying for everyone involved.

Start with balance. Take the pedals off (yes, really) and lower the saddle so they can push themselves along with their feet. Let them get comfortable with steering and balancing before you add pedaling into the mix. Most kids pick up actual pedaling within minutes once they've got balance sorted.

Stabilizers are... controversial. Some people swear by them, others think they're useless. Truth is, they can help nervous kids gain confidence, but don't leave them on forever. They can actually make proper balance harder to learn if you use them too long.

Choose your spot carefully. Gentle slope helps with momentum, but nothing too steep. Grass is forgiving when they fall (and they will fall), but harder to pedal on. Smooth path is ideal if you can find one.

Stay calm. Easier said than done when your precious child is wobbling towards a bush, but your panic transfers directly to them. Falls happen. It's part of learning. Have plasters ready and keep smiling.

Building confidence (without going completely mental)

Learning to ride does something to kids' confidence that's hard to explain. It's like they suddenly realize they can do difficult things if they keep trying. Pretty powerful stuff for a seven-year-old.

Celebrate everything. First time they balance for three seconds? Amazing. First successful turn? Brilliant. First ride without you holding on? Absolutely incredible. These tiny victories build on each other.

Don't compare them to other kids. Some learn in an afternoon, others need weeks. Both are completely normal.

Your job is encouragement and plasters, not speed coaching.

The independence thing is huge. Suddenly they can get places under their own power. Even if it's just to the end of the street, it's their journey. That's pretty empowering when you're used to adults controlling where you go.

Remember, every kid learns differently. Some are cautious, others are reckless. Work with their personality, not against it. And try not to have a heart attack when they're wobbling towards that parked car - they usually figure it out just in time.