Learning to ride a bike starts with the opportunity to practise

Children mainly learn to ride a bike by simply doing it. Most children need little additional help with this, but they do need sufficient opportunities to practise. This includes having a bicycle and encouragement from parents or others in their immediate surroundings. A balance bike helps more than training wheels, because children develop balance and steering skills earlier this way.

Yet not every child gets that opportunity. Children who are less motorically skilled or have fewer opportunities to practise fall behind. Practical matters also play a role, such as having money for a suitable balance bike or bicycle and parents who do not cycle themselves.

Only a quarter cycle to school every day

Primary school pupils (aged 4–11) who can cycle do not all use their bicycle every day by any means. Only a quarter cycle to school every day. Just over half travel to school actively every day. This could be on foot or by scooter, for example. The bicycle remains unused surprisingly often.

A combination of factors determines whether a child cycles to school

Whether a child cycles to school depends on several factors at the same time:

  • Of course, children must be able to do it: cycling skills and knowledge of traffic rules are important, especially at a young age.
  • The physical environment also plays a role. Good cycle paths and safe crossing points help, while busy roads and long distances make parents hesitant.
  • The social environment also plays a role. Children are more likely to get on their bicycles if parents, schools and out-of-school care encourage them to do so, and if their friends and classmates do the same. They are also more likely to get on their bicycles if their friends and classmates do the same.
  • At the same time, parents experience practical barriers, such as time pressure or combining different school routes within one family.
  • The motivation of children and parents also helps them choose the bicycle more often. But this is not decisive. In addition to wanting to cycle, children must also be able to cycle and have an environment that supports this.

Cooperation needed to encourage cycling

Encouraging children to learn to ride a bike and cycle to school requires a broad approach that addresses multiple factors at the same time and involves cooperation between several parties. Ensure support from parents and provide sufficient opportunities to practise so that cycling skills can be learned at an early age. Invest in safe cycling routes and limit car traffic around schools. Also provide practical support for parents, for example by facilitating cycling groups. Make cycling more visible and enjoyable for children, so that it becomes normal.

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