Get cycling with Cycle Power T


he London Borough of Sutton’s Cycle Training Team is working closely with local Worcester Park bicycle shop Cycle Power in getting more young children cycling without stabilisers. Cycle Power owner Mark Lander, alongside Steve Wright, the Council’s Senior Cycling Officer, are working in partnership to help parents and children to develop their cycling skills.


A big problem parents encounter is getting the children to ride without stabilisers, and with the help of Mark, in removing the stabilisers, and Steve’s


Please contact Steve Wright, Senior Cycling Officer at The London Borough of Sutton on 020 8770 6231 to arrange the sessions.


Baby Trikes, Toddler Balance Bikes & Child Pedal Bikes – which is best at what age?


iding Trikes and Bikes from an early age encourages strong motor and balancing skills in your little one, as well as being loads of fun! They help keep your child active, so that they are less likely to become overweight in early life and to set up a positive enjoyment of physical activity as they start to grow up.


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Baby Trikes - Baby Trikes are a fantastic way for your child to start learning how to ride a bike. Push


Trikes (without pedals) are the easiest for children to start with – they can ride one as soon as they can walk! (Age 9-12 mths upwards).


Balance Bikes - (or Ride On or Pedal-less bikes) Balance Bikes are becoming increasingly popular and are designed to be used by toddlers from the age of 2 years approx. The child sits on the bike and


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moves by pushing along the ground with their feet. A Balance Bike does not have pedals or stabilisers, so children learn to balance and steer very quickly. This will help them make an easier transition to a pedal bike.


Pedal Bikes - Learning to ride a Pedal bike is one of life’s milestones, a moment of great satisfaction for child and parents alike. Most children develop sufficient coordination to balance and pedal a 2 wheeler at some point between 4 and 6 years old.


Bike Safety - Remember to fit your little ones with helmets, even when they are riding Trikes or Balance Bikes in the park – as accidents can happen anywhere! The Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust, www.bhit. org has lots of useful information on how to fit them and what to look out for when choosing a helmet.


Team in teaching the children to balance and ride unaided, they hope to be at the start of a long association with the bicycle, possibly producing the next Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins, or Victoria Pendleton.


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