![\"bike\"](\"http:\/\/chopsybaby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/bike.png\")
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1. Always start with a balance bike. Balance bikes have no pedals or stabilisers and are much lighter than pedal bikes. On balance bikes children use their feet to balance and propel themselves along. One of the biggest advantages of this method is that children as young as 2 learn to balance on their own without explanation, coaching or unnecessary stress.
\n2. Start on the flat and work your way up. The ideal place to ride a balance bike is a park or area with no traffic. Begin on flat terrain and gradually upgrade to small hills.
\n3. Teach them to use a brake. Around the age of 2\u00bd to 3 years, children are able to operate a hand brake provided it is gentle enough for their little fingers. Show your child how it works and motivate him\/her to practice braking. A good tip is to draw a line on the pavement and challenge the child to stop on it.
\n4. Always wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet on a balance bike – as on any other bike – is another must. The sooner your child gets used to it, the better. Shop for a helmet together, and let the little biker express his or her opinion. Make it a treat!
\n5. Look for safety features like a \u2018steering limiter\u2019. Bikes with handlebars that limit the steering angle, a \u201csteering limiter,\u201d help little ones keep direction and prevent rough falls. Models with sharp edges or extruding screws should also be avoided.
\n6. Choose a bike with an adjustable seat. On balance bikes, children immediately benefit from the security of having their feet on the ground, so it is important that the seat is easily adjustable to their height. When the child sits on the bike, both feet should be firmly planted on the ground – not just the toes – with knees slightly bent. This way, the child is able to properly push off, slow down and stabilise.
\n7. Get the right safety gear. Wearing bright colours or a safety vest is recommended, ideally with reflective elements so he or she is readily visible. As for shoes, balance bikes are called \u201crun bikes\u201d in many languages, which means that flip-flops will not do – toes should be covered and ankles fixed.<\/p>\n
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8. Transfer to a pedal bike when the time is right. Around the age of 4 or 5 depending on their height and skill – children can smoothly transfer to a pedal bike without ever needing stabilisers. From a balance bike, such as FirstBIKE, children learn how to balance and use a hand brake. The only skill they still need to learn is pedalling, however, at the age of 4 or 5, it is a natural transition.
\nFirstBIKE offer a range of award winning balance bikes designed with safety first for 2-5 year olds. The bikes start from \u00a394.99 and come in a wide range of colours see first-bike.co.uk for more info.
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1. Always start with a balance bike. Balance bikes have no pedals or stabilisers and are much lighter than pedal<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23867","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bristol-news"],"yoast_head":"\n