Balance Bike Glide
What you need
- a balance bike with the seat low enough for both feet to rest flat on the ground, and a helmet that fits them
How to do it
- Find a flat, smooth path in the park, away from roads, driveways, slopes and water.
- Helmet on and buckled, closed shoes on, and let them walk the bike along while sitting on the seat.
- Walk alongside within reach as the walking turns into pushes and strides.
- Now and then say "Feet up!" and see what they do, your hand ready to steady the bike.
Why it matters
Walking, then striding, then lifting their feet for a moment lets them feel the bike roll, one step at a time and at a speed they choose.
What they're learning
- Balance
- Keeping the bike upright with their own body.
- Striding
- Long pushes with one foot, then the other, to get going.
- Steering
- Small turns of the handlebars to stay on the path.
What to look for
Notice the little lift of both feet as the bike rolls along by itself for a moment.
A tip
Keep to dead flat ground: a balance bike runs away on even a gentle slope and is hard to stop with feet alone. Before you set off, check both their feet rest flat on the ground from the seat, and lower it if not.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: just walk the bike along together, them on the seat and you beside them
Harder: take a few more strides between each "Feet up!", on the same flat path
