{"id":647,"date":"2018-12-01T05:55:03","date_gmt":"2018-12-01T05:55:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kidsonbikes.co.uk\/?p=647"},"modified":"2018-11-30T23:04:18","modified_gmt":"2018-11-30T23:04:18","slug":"my-8-year-old-still-cant-ride-a-bike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kidsonbikes.co.uk\/my-8-year-old-still-cant-ride-a-bike\/","title":{"rendered":"My 8 Year Old Still Can’t Ride A Bike"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kids are ready to ride a bike by the time they are 2 years. A 10\u201d or 12\u201d bike with stabilisers or a balance bike is ideal for this age<\/a>.<\/p>\n

By the time they are 3 or 4, most kids have learnt how to pedal and balance on a bike and are ready to move up to a bigger size.<\/p>\n

If your child is 8 years and they still cannot ride a bike, there is definitely something holding them back. A typical 8 year old should be able to ride a 20\u201d or 24\u201d bike.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not their fault<\/h2>\n

What to do if your 8 year old still can’t ride a bike? The most important thing to remember is that is not their fault. Do not treat them as if it is.<\/p>\n

I know it\u2019s easy to get a bit impatient with a child who refuses to get on a bike or cannot seem to learn how to balance.<\/p>\n

But reprimanding them or excoriating their poor riding skills might actually be making the problem worse.<\/p>\n

Make sure they know that it is not a big deal that they cannot yet ride a bike. Encourage them to take their time and not to compare themselves with their bike-riding friends.<\/p>\n

This will build their confidence and make it easier for them to learn.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, try to pinpoint what\u2019s causing the delay and get to work finding a good solution.<\/p>\n

Possible causes and Best solutions<\/h2>\n

1. Wrong bike<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s not always a good idea to give your child their older sibling\u2019s bike. It may be the wrong size, which would make riding uncomfortable and balancing difficult.<\/p>\n

To check if the bike is the right fit measure their inseam (the inside part of the leg).<\/p>\n

An 8 year old has an inseam between 22\u201dand 25\u201d. That corresponds to a 20\u201d bike<\/a>. If your child has longer legs, try a 24\u201d bike.<\/p>\n

If the current bike is too small or too big, buy a new one that is the correct size.<\/p>\n

Then adjust the saddle and handlebars until they are completely comfortable riding the bike.<\/p>\n

2. Lack of confidence<\/h3>\n

Riding a bike may feel easy and natural for you but it is terrifying for a kid who is doing it the first time.<\/p>\n

Most kids quickly get over the fear and learn how to ride. But it\u2019s normal for some children to get too afraid that they don\u2019t even want to get on a bike.<\/p>\n

The best solution is to build their confidence gradually.<\/p>\n

Start by riding somewhere safe like the backyard or the park. You may have to hold the bike the first few tries.<\/p>\n

Keep encouraging them even for tiny victories. When they lose balance or fall, do not reprimand them. That kills confidence.<\/p>\n

Tell them they are doing great and to keep trying.<\/p>\n

3. Poor training<\/h3>\n

If your kid has been riding a bike with training wheels all this time, that could be the problem.<\/p>\n

Training wheels are good<\/a> for teaching kids how to pedal and use the brakes, but they are a terrible way to teach balancing.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why experts recommend balance bike for kids rather than a bike with stabilisers.<\/p>\n

If you want them to learn quickly, remove the training wheels. This will force them to develop balance.<\/p>\n

How to teach an 8 year old to ride a bike<\/h2>\n

Before you start, make sure they are comfortable on the bike. Adjust the saddle until their feet can easily reach the pedals with the knees slightly bent.<\/p>\n