Learning to ride

From Cycle (CTC’s magazine, Apr/May 2008)

Several years ago you published an article on getting youngsters a-pedalling. The gist was to take the pedals off, put the saddle down and get them scooting hobby-horse-like on the bike, until they feel comfortable with that. As a new grandparent I made a mental note of that gem.

We are presently [sic] lucky enough to be able to look after our two grandchildren one afternoon a week. I felt the 41/2 year-old should be getting some bike practice, so spent 30 or 40 minutes with her scooting the pedal-less bike up and down the road. It's been pretty cold recently, but I did manage four or five such sessions over the last few weeks.

Last week, after an initial scoot or two, I put the pedals back on, pushed her for 10 yards and - wow - we had lift-off - and after one topple (gloves on, no tears) the smile went right around her face three times without stopping!

We now have another cycling enthusiast in the family and, like her Dad, before her fifth birthday. So thanks for that superb advice. How encouraging to know it works a treat.

Ian Hewitt, Rowlands Castle, Hants