Learning To Ride A Bike

Throughout my career as a pediatric physical therapist I have been approached by parents seeking help or requesting information about how they can teach their child how to ride a two wheel bike. There is often great sadness and frustration behind their question and as a parent myself I can relate to how it must feel to watch your child exhaust their ability to push through a challenge and eventually raise the white flag. Bike riding has been described as a right of passage for a kid but for some children it's not always a milestone that can be reached with the traditional teaching methods. Perhaps you've tried a balance bike, the parent assist handles, and spent countless hours in the driveway but are noticing that a kid, once determined to learn, has lost interest and now refuses to even try.

For children experiencing difficulties with balance, motor coordination or strength, learning to ride a bike might feel terrifying and defeating. Bike riding has endless physical, emotional and social benefits and for this reason, I am thrilled to share this opportunity with you!

The ICan Bike Program is offering a 1 week camp this June 2020 in Falmouth Maine to teach children with disabilities how to ride a two wheel bicycle! Check out the flyer below for details!

If your child doesn't fit the criteria set by this specific program, I urge you to reach out to a local physical therapist for help and ideas on how to best support your child's bike riding goals. You may also want to consider the option of a three wheel bike or an adaptive bike if riding a two wheel bike doesn't meet the immediate needs of your child. There are many great options to explore! My parting advice is to keep it fun and don't forget to wear your helmet!!

Happy Riding,

Casie Levesque PT