Will you/did you teach your child to ride a bike?

[raelynn]

My oldest is almost 11 and I was shocked when I found out that 2 of her friends (from separate families that don't even know each other) don't know how to ride a bike. I guess in my mind, I sort of put learning to ride a bike in the same child milestone category as learning to tie your shoes.

Is it really that common nowadays for kids to not ride bikes? I know for families that live in downtown New York in highrises that bike-riding may not be an option, but I'm thinking of families that live in houses that have sidewalks or paths to ride on in the neighbourhood that are safe places to ride.

[DalesWidda]

I voted other. I didn't have to teach them. They just learned on their own. I think that the problem is that kids nowadays are attached to an electronic device most of the time and aren't outside enough. If you aren't outside, it's a little difficult to actually learn to ride a bike, rollerskate, etc. So I am not at all surprised that less kids are riding bikes these days.

[raelynn]

Originally Posted by savmaralamommy I voted other. I didn't have to teach them. They just learned on their own. I think that the problem is that kids nowadays are attached to an electronic device most of the time and aren't outside enough. If you aren't outside, it's a little difficult to actually learn to ride a bike, rollerskate, etc. So I am not at all surprised that less kids are riding bikes these days.

I would have put your answer as "yes" - I should have worded the question as "will your child ride a bike" LOL

[MamaWillow]

I said other because DD is 8 and STILL doesn't have much interest. We like to bike with the family, and until recently DD has been able to ride the trail-a-bike behind DH. But now at 65 pounds it's just too heavy for him. She is stubborn and really hard to deal with if she doesn't want to do something, and she barely has the interest in learning to ride herself. It's disappointing. Hopefully sometime she will realize that it's not THAT hard and try on her own.

As for DS, he will certainly have interest (just the kind of kid) and DH will teach him as soon as he can (he's only 2.5 now).

[Shaunam]

I voted other. DS has not really shown any interest in riding a bike. He has one at his grandma's that has training wheels and he hops on it once in a while. But he's not "into it". DS's dad never cared for riding a bike either. I LOVED my bike when I was a kid and promptly asked for my training wheels off as soon as I realized it was an option. LOL

DS isn't all that coordinated anyway. He can't even stand up on skates. I'm thinking of getting him a scooter, but we'll see.

[lil'mommakaye]

We are HUGE bike riders! We have a really nice bike trail on our street so were on it all the time and i love it!

[TeachinAuntie]

Yes we will teach our son to ride a bike. We already take him for bike rides (starting right after his birthday) and he loves it!

[HeatherlovesCDs]

I voted "other" too. Sorry.

I would teach my kids. I think it's a good thing for kids to know. I rode my bike EVERYWHERE when I was a kid. Kids should be out riding bikes. BUT, I have 5 kids 5 and under. My oldest is 5. We would love to get him a bike and teach him. Unfortunately, I just can't get out there to teach him. We do live in a house in a neighborhood. We have a driveway and sidewalks. The problem is, I can't focus my attention on him out there with twins who are 3 and 13 month old twins. When we go outside, I usually either have 2 adults or we do it in a contained area, like our fenced in backyard. If I was focusing on teaching him to ride a bike, I wouldn't be able to adequately keep an eye on my 2 3 year olds to make sure they didn't go in the street or whatever. Plus, I don't let him play out there by himself. So, again, we usually play in our backyard. He wouldn't have an opportunity to ride much. My husband works 6 days a week. He can't really do it. Hopefully, we will teach them all when the littlest get older. I'm just not totally sure.

Ideally, all my kids will learn to ride at some point.

ETA - My oldest son has not shown an interest in riding a regular bike. He has never asked. If he wanted to, we would make the time to teach him. He (and the 3 year olds) all have trikes they ride when they want to.

[joshuas_mum]

ds rides his bike to school most days. he got it for christmas just gone and loves it!! he has training wheels on it right now. i remember going everywhere on my bike as a kid and teen.

[Pikemommy]

I would NEVER consider not teaching my kids to ride a bike. I thought that was something everyone did. My pediatrician asks that as a milestone development question "is <child's name> able to coordinate his/her movements to ride a bike"
I'm really flabbergasted that some people would consider NOT doing that. That's how I picture a typical American summer... having a popcicle, taking a bike ride, playing baseball.