When a Child is Reluctant to Learn to Ride: Tips and Approaches for Parents

Learning to ride a bike is a milestone that many parents look forward to, but what happens when your child doesn’t share the same enthusiasm? It’s not uncommon for kids to feel reluctant about learning to ride. At Pedal Set Go, we work with families across Sydney and often encounter kids who are hesitant to hop on a bike. Here, we’ll explore some of the common reasons behind this reluctance and share tips for making the experience positive and pressure-free for everyone involved.

Understanding Reluctance: Why Some Kids Don’t Want to Learn to Ride

Reluctance to learn to ride a bike can stem from various reasons, often related to a child’s age, past experiences, or sensory preferences. Here are some of the more common reasons we see:

• Embarrassment about not knowing how to ride: In a world where kids are quick to learn new skills, some children may feel embarrassed if they’re not riding by a certain age.

• A bad experience: Perhaps they’ve had a previous fall, a frightening moment, or pressure to excel, which can create lingering fears.

• Physical discomfort or sensory issues: Some children feel uncomfortable with certain aspects of bike riding, like an ill-fitting seat or unfamiliar helmet.

• Fear of falling: Learning to ride involves a sense of risk, and for some children, fear of falling or getting hurt can hold them back.

• Feeling watched or judged: If your child is self-conscious, the idea of riding in front of others can heighten their reluctance.

• Simply not interested: Sometimes, riding just doesn’t capture a child’s interest, and that’s okay too.

A Supportive Approach to Bike Riding Lessons in Sydney

At Pedal Set Go, our goal is to create an inclusive, encouraging environment for all people, especially those feeling hesitant. Our bike riding lessons in Sydney are tailored to each person’s pace and comfort, and we work in quieter, low-walking or vehicle traffic free areas to help kids feel at ease.

Tips for Helping a Reluctant Child Learn to Ride

1. Choose the Right Setting: A calm, supportive environment can make a big difference for kids who feel embarrassed or self-conscious. By choosing quiet locations away from busy paths, we reduce any sense of being "on display," which can ease embarrassment and allow kids to relax.

2. Consider a Joint Learning Approach: Sometimes, the presence of a parent can be reassuring, while at other times, it may add pressure. Our instructors are trained to read the situation and often suggest that parents step away for a bit during the lesson. We all hold current working with children checks. Alternatively, if a child is more comfortable with their parent close by, we can include the parent in the lesson, making it a shared learning experience. We even offer to adjust the parent’s bike (like removing pedals) to keep the focus on the child’s progress.

3. Explore the Right Timing: It’s worth considering if your child feels ready and if learning to ride is the right step for them right now. If they’re genuinely not interested or seem overwhelmed, it may be worth waiting a little longer before trying again. Sometimes, readiness is all it takes to make the experience positive. Being around other riders without the pressure to be involved can often plant the seed of wanting to experience bike riding.

4. Prioritising Emotional Comfort: We know that kids don’t need every aspect of the bike adjusted for peak performance or speed, like an Olympic cyclist. Instead, setting up the bike for emotional comfort is key. Sometimes a bike that’s slightly smaller or a seat that’s a bit lower can help a child feel more stable, making it easier to build confidence without feeling overwhelmed by height or control issues. Avoid purchasing a bike for your child to "grow into," as this often adds to feelings of instability and reluctance.

5. Address Physical Comfort: Ensuring that the bike and helmet fit well and feel comfortable can remove some sensory obstacles. At Pedal Set Go, we can assist in setting up your child’s bike or offer bike and helmet hire and make adjustments as needed to create the most comfortable setup for each child.

6. Allow for Small, Steady Progress: Learning to ride isn’t an all-or-nothing skill, and sometimes it’s the small wins—balancing for a few moments, coasting for the first time—that build a child’s confidence over time. We recommend purchasing a bike for your child to learn on rather than hiring one, as having their own bike encourages consistency and comfort. After the first lesson, parents will understand how to support their child’s progress, and we suggest short, frequent practice sessions—about 10–15 minutes a day. This "little and often" approach makes learning enjoyable and reinforces new skills without overwhelming them.

When a Child Is Reluctant: Parental Considerations

It’s only natural to want to see your child riding confidently, but it’s also important to check in with your own motivations. Consider if this is something your child truly wants, or if they may be feeling pressured. By keeping the experience light and encouraging, you’re more likely to help them develop a positive association with riding.

Our Commitment to Kids’ Bike Lessons in Sydney

At Pedal Set Go, we’re passionate about making bike riding accessible and enjoyable for everybody. Whether your child is eager or hesitant, our experienced instructors in Sydney are here to support them through each stage of learning, ensuring a positive, confidence-building experience tailored to their needs.

If you’d like to learn more about our kids’ bike lessons in Sydney or book a session, feel free to get in touch. We’re here to help your child find joy in riding when the time is right for them.

Teaching a child to ride a bike

Teaching a child to ride a bike can be an exciting and memorable experience. Here's a step-by-step, Ummm…Pedal… guide to help you teach a child to ride a bike: At Pedal Set Go we do NOT recommend training wheels, with the exception being for some people with disability. The same techniques can be used when teaching an adult to learn to ride a bicycle.

Choosing the Perfect Bike: Setting the Foundation for Riding Success

Ensure that the child has a bike that they can sit on comfortably with their feet flat when touching the ground. At this stage, a bike is better slightly too small rather than too large. The learner will not feel safe nor confident if they are on their tip-toes. Pedal Set Go do not encourage people to purchase a bike their child will “grow into.”

Ensure your child has the right bike for a comfortable and confident start.

Selecting a Safe Riding Location in Sydney: Where to Begin

Discover the ideal spots in Sydney for teaching bike riding, prioritising safety and space. Look for a spacious and flat area with a smooth surface, such as netball or basketball courts, a quiet street, or an empty car park. Avoid busy roads or areas with heavy traffic.

Prepping the Bike: Removing Pedals and Adjusting the Seat for Optimal Learning

Step-by-step guide on pedal removal and saddle adjustment to facilitate the initial learning phase.

Start by removing the pedals from the bike. A number 15 spanner will suffice if you do not have a pedal wrench. The left and right pedals are threaded in opposite directions. The right pedal is threaded normally – turn counterclockwise to loosen. The left pedal is threaded in reverse – turn clockwise to loosen. Lower the saddle so that the child can easily place their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the seat. Lower is best, and ideally, the child can spread their legs and feet apart like a tripod. (If there are no markings on the pedals, you may want to label them left and right.)

Building Balance and Confidence: The Gliding and Balancing Technique

Learning to glide and balance: Begin by helping the child learn to balance on the bike without pedals. If the bike has a hand brake lever or levers, encourage them to use the brakes while getting on and off the bike. Show them how to use the brake rather than their feet to slow or stop the bike. Have them mount the bike and walk while sitting on the seat, using their feet to stabilise themselves. Remind them to remain seated. Encourage them to keep their eyes focused straight ahead and their arms relaxed. When moving in a straight line or steering, the bike will follow their gaze.

Learn how to guide your child through gliding and balancing exercises to foster confidence.

Mastering the Art of Gliding: Scooting to Develop Balance and Momentum

Once the child is comfortable walking, encourage them to push off the ground with their feet and start scooting. They should lift their feet off the ground and try to glide for short distances. Practise this scooting and gliding technique to help them build momentum and develop a sense of balance. Remember, just like a rolling coin, the bike needs some momentum to stay upright.

Explore techniques for scooting and gliding, essential for building momentum and balance.

From here, it should be fun, and apart from reminding the child to look where they want to go, there is not much more for the adult to do. The child will learn through play and experience. Every wobble and false start is a lesson in the right direction. Little and often also avoids the risk of a sore bum.

Pedals Back On: Transitioning to Pedalling with Confidence

Reinstall the pedals once your child has gained confidence in gliding and balancing. Once the child can demonstrate consistent balance through gliding and steering, reattach the pedals to the bike. Make sure they are properly threaded.

A comprehensive guide to instructing your child to pedal and maintain momentum.

Pedal Set...Go!: Teaching the Basics of Pedalling

First, remind the child about the importance of brakes and ask them to demonstrate how they will stop the bike with the brake levers or back pedal brake. Instruct the child to set the pedal to 2 o’clock with one foot on the pedals, and after a big push, lift their other foot onto the other pedal. Continue pedalling to maintain momentum. Encourage them to keep pedalling so they can maintain momentum and their balance. You may wish to support them briefly, but allow the child to practice pedalling independently as much as possible.

Practice Makes Perfect: Building Skills and Confidence Through Repetition

Encourage regular practice, gradually raising the seat as your child gains control. Introduce more challenging terrain as their confidence and skills improve.

Positive Reinforcement: Celebrating Achievements and Nurturing Confidence

Praise the child for their efforts and progress. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement will boost their confidence and motivation and ensure the activity remains fun.

Remember, every child learns at their own pace, so be patient and supportive throughout the process. With time and practice, most children—in fact, people of all ages—can learn to ride a bike independently.

Riding Sydneysider # 4: Justine

When and where did you learn to ride a bike?

I started riding a bike when I was a young child. My parents taught me, and I spent many happy hours cycling around the local neighbourhood with all the other kids.

I didn't spend much time at all cycling as an adult until about 10 years ago. I moved back to Sydney from a stint in London. I didn't have a car, nor did I want one. I live in the inner city so I decided cycling was the best way to get around.

What does your typical bicycle attire consist of?

I always wear cycling gloves and a helmet - the latter because it is the law in Australia. I tend to wear either cycling shorts with a pocket, or a fleecy jacket with pockets in winter. The pockets are useful for carrying my phone, and my keys which I keep on a carabiner, attached to a small rucksack that is always part of my cycling gear. In winter I also tend to wear cycling tights as baggy pants can get caught in the moving parts if I am not careful.

Where to ride in Sydney? Do you prefer to ride on roads or shared paths and cycleways?

I prefer to ride on shared paths and cycleways wherever the roads are super-busy, and enjoy riding on dedicated bike paths.

If the roads are not busy, I definitely prefer riding on the road, as roads are designed for traffic and wheels in particular.

Whichever choice I make, it is important to me that I am hyper vigilant , being mindful of pedestrians as they can be unpredictable.

What advice and safety tips would you have for someone thinking about starting to use a bike for transportation?

If you are going to start cycling in Sydney as a means of transportation, I would suggest doing a rider-training course to gain confidence negotiating a bike in traffic. Learn what you can do and what you should avoid. I also recommend you do a basic maintenance course so you can look after your bike - change a tyre, etc - should the need arise during your commute.

If you cycle to a meeting don't you get sweaty and gross? What do you wear to ride a bike?

Sydney is very humid, so you can get sweaty no matter what transport mode you choose. When cycling to work or a meeting, I wear clothes that wick, or take a change of clothes, deodorant and a hairbrush. I often carry a small towel to shower and/or change my clothes when I get to the other end.

Riding Sydneysiders#3 Milo, Pierre, Finn & Joss

When did you learn to ride and what got you hooked?

I learned to ride a bike Christmas day in 1980. I was thrilled to miss out on church and instead got to stay home with Dad teaching me to ride. Riding a bike gave me freedom, I could be out all day on my bike just touring around the neighbourhood. Riding a bike still gives me that sense of being free.

I love cycling so I was keen to teach my kids as well. With my oldest son, Finn, I didn't want him falling over on a brand new bike so I took him to Centennial Park to use the hire bikes. The taxi driver who took us there advised us having the first lesson on the footpath, outside of the park because no-one ever uses it. He was right and Finn picked up bike riding very quickly, so I bought him a new bike for his birthday soon after.

Joss is 5 years younger so he spent years on a tagalong, and this really gave us the freedom to get around, as I still didn't have a drivers licence. We could spend a whole day cycling, stopping for snacks or trying out a new playground.

Now we do Spring Cycle together every year, it's a wonderful feeling riding on the road with no cars around. I learned very early on, to dress us all in bright red shirts, so I can see at a glance that no-one has been left behind.

Joss made it on to his own bike a few years ago, and now he is big enough for an adult bike. I miss those tagalong years though.

Riding Sydneysider #2: Liane

Where do you live? What’s your usual commute?

I live near Gladesville so my usual commute is into the city, riding the bridges. I start with the cycleway under Tarban then over Gladesville Bridge and Iron Cove, either under Victoria Road and around The Bay Run, through the parks of the Inner West, or ANZAC Bridge to Darling Drive. I work at various locations in cycle education so really get to see the best of the city through linking green spaces and water views. I’ve also worked in Parramatta following a lovely cycleway besides the river.

Can you tell us about how you first got into bikes while growing up in the UK?

I started cycling in my teens when my older brother bought me a second hand bike and taught me to ride. To me cycling has always been about freedom, freedom to explore, have adventures, go where and when I wanted, without compromise. At that age my dog also came everywhere with me, a trusty mutt that ran alongside and shared in the adventures. Our family didn’t have a car growing up and the only option was walk or take public transport which was poor at best , so it was definitely better to get about by bike.

When I became a mum, life skills like swimming and cycling were very important to me. My boys became familiar with the bicycle much earlier than I did, progressing from child seats attached to bikes to tag alongs and then a tandem. We had many family adventures both in the UK and on holidays abroad. On weekends we often headed out across fields on our mountain bikes to a village pub in a neighbouring county, or took part in local group rides..

How do you find riding a bike in Sydney and any advice for people nervous about riding in urban environments?

I hadn’t lived and commuted in a city before moving to Sydney. The only city riding I had undertaken before living here was on holidays, exploring European city sights by bike, or enjoying group events such as London, “Pedal to Paris”. Given the opportunity to come and live in Sydney I really wanted to get to know the city and find my way around easily so I decided not to purchase a car but rather a bike. I spent a good six months just exploring and enjoying getting lost!

I followed other riders via local BUG ‘s (bicycle user groups) and the best decision I made was to sign up for the Cycling in The City Confidence course provided thanks to the City of Sydney council. Although I was already a cycle instructor in the UK I wanted to experience how the laws may differ here, and it is always helpful to get local professional advice.

You are quite the micro adventurer, exploring Sydney by bike. Tell us about your favourite route and the destination?

I think my favourite route is always a new route, I love exploring and although I now know the city much better I still often take a slightly different route home just to compare. I can’t quite get out of the round trip habit of leading group rides for British Cycling. Recently I’ve been exploring further with my e-bike but also multimode, catching the train to Newcastle for a rail trail or down to the Royal National Park & riding to Wollongong.

I have a pooch who’s in training to be a bike box, trail dog….. so adventures to local doggy parks & beaches on the horizon for my free days, so far we’re just checking out the best dog friendly cafes.

You spend much of your recreational and working time on a bike. Do you need padded shorts and all that lycra?

I use the bike & kit appropriate for the type of riding activity i am undertaking. I’ve taken part in mountain bike tours across Croatia in a bikini, shorts & trainers so it is easy to stop off for a swim! On a longer one day sportive on a road bike such as the 110k Cape Argus in South Africa I wore Lycra with pads & clipped in shoes, easier for comfort & long climbs. I love the Sydney climate and for comfort with commuting and work I mostly ride in shorts, vest tops & converse, layering up to jeans, jumper & waterproof or windproof jacket plus walking boots in winter. I think so long as your comfortable & nothing is catching on the bike it’s all good. I love the elegance of some women in the city in skirts & heels but still tend to go more for the mountain bike style of bicycle as preference, plus I’m a bit scruffy.

What are you currently riding and why?

I love my e-bike which I purchased shortly after my arrival in Sydney. The e-bike has made my life so much easier. Buying it was a conscious decision as I didn’t want a ‘second’ car in our family. I wanted to get to know this new city we had moved to and be able to explore further afield. I want to be part of the solution to a more liveable city and not a part of the problem. Traffic, congestion, pollution, these are surely the worst side of Sydney. Setting a good example for health and wellbeing also matters to me. I’ve been able to manage my Rheumatoid Arthritis with diet and with exercise, and have had very little medical intervention, which i believe is because of the benefits of cycling.

Riding Sydneysider #1: Marie

Where do you live? What’s your usual commute?

I live in Potts Point and I ride most often to the city via Woolloomooloo and through the Domain. I also ride to Surry Hills, Redfern and Newtown quite a lot, using the beautiful Bourke St cycleway. I rarely ride to the Eastern Suburbs because of the hills but I’m planning on purchasing an electric bike soon to make this happen.

You’re a born and bred Parisian. Can you tell us about how you first got into bikes and how you find riding a bike in Sydney?

I started cycling as a kid to go visit my friends who lived nearby. I was just too lazy to walk! Then I really got into cycling in my teenage years. Believe it or not - two girlfriends and I used our bikes to go to clubs at night because we were too scared to use public transportation in the middle of the night in Paris. The rest is history. Cycling is such a huge part of my life today. I use it to go shopping, to go visit friends who live on the other side of the city, to go to meetings to take my son to daycare (he absolutely loves it!). I truly believe Sydney has a lot to offer for cyclists: it is naturally beautiful, the weather is pleasant all year long, it does have a good existing cycling network. The key is finding the right path to where you want to go, one that feels safe, quick and connected. Your best ally is the City of Sydney cycling map which you can order for free here.

Sydney has changed quite a bit since you’ve arrived (6 years ago). Are you pleased with the progress made?

Yes, definitely, but we still have a long way to go. There are some beautiful cycleways that are now part of the network: Bourke St and George St cycleways just to name a couple. We have had some setback (don’t even mention College St cycleway being ripped off a couple of years ago) but we are moving in the right direction.

Any advice for people nervous about visiting bike shops?

I have visited most bikes shops in Sydney and have met some of the loveliest people I know there. Going to a bike shop can seem a bit daunting for some people who are not riders and don’t know the technical language. But mechanics are precisely there to inform you and help you. In Paris, your local bike shop is just like your local butcher or bakery – you know the people working there and you create that special relationship with them that just makes you feel connected to your community. It would be a shame not to have this in your life!

How do you find riding with a child?

After having spent over a year stuck at home with a young child, being able to go back on a bike with him felt like some sort of liberation. It enabled us to get to places much quicker and connect with our friends more easily. My son is completely addicted to being on the bike. He sings, talks, shouts to people – it’s like he’s completely alive when he can feel the wind in his hair!