Learn to stride

Stride Guide The 4 most important things you need to know as your child learns to Stride

1. Adjust the bike to properly fit the child

Seat height is the most critical adjustment. Adjust the seat of the bike so both of the child’s feet are flat on the ground and there is only a slight bend in the knee. A good starting height is 1” less than the child’s inseam. Kids grow quickly. Be sure to adjust the bike every few months. If you are seeing your child struggle with becoming comfortable on the seat, try different height adjustments until you see an increase in their confidence which is the key to success.

2. Support the child — Not the bike

We instinctively want to help the child by holding onto the bike to keep it from tipping; don’t do this. If the adult supports the bike when it tips to one side, the child mistakenly thinks the most stable place for the bike is tipped over to the side. If the child needs assurance, walk next to them and hang onto the back of their shirt so they feel safe.

3. Let the child set the pace

Some kids are cautious and may not even sit on the seat at first. This is OK! Their security is in their feet at this point, and we want them to feel secure. As they become comfortable walking around with the bike between their legs and using the handlebar, they will start to “trust” the seat. Some kids get to this point within minutes, and others may take weeks, but all children will eventually get there. Let them transition at their own pace… they’ll be striding along with their feet up on the footrests before you know it!

4. Be a cheerleader more than a coach

Many children will instinctively throw a leg over the Strider and want to go, go, go. Some children only want to spend a minute or two walking their Strider around at first. Praise them for any amount of time they spend on the Strider.

Positive encouragement is great. If your child is progressing, show them you notice by telling them what you see and offering a well-earned high-five!