How to Teach Your Child to Pedal
The Strider 14X is a 2-in-1 bike — it starts as a balance bike and converts instantly to a pedal bike with the Easy-Ride Pedal Kit. Kids who've already mastered balance have cleared the hardest part of learning to ride; all that's left is the circular pedaling motion. If your child is still working on balance, start with the Learn to Stride Guide first.
4 steps to pedaling success
1. Balance is key
Fit the bike properly first, then watch closely for balance proficiency. Attaching the pedal kit too soon can be discouraging — take your time and look for the readiness signs below.
2. Ignore the pedals
The 14X's narrow "stride-around" pedals let your child keep striding just like on a balance bike. Have them use the pedals as footrests first — no need to pedal right away.
3. Encourage pedaling
Let them experiment with as little help as possible. Counting "5 big steps" before finding the pedals with their feet works well, or simply pedal your own bike to show them how.
4. Learn to stop safely
Use the cue "push back with your heel" instead of "pedal backwards" — it's much easier for kids aged 3–5 to understand. Practice stopping often until it feels automatic.
Don't rush it — if your child switches to pedal mode and wants to go back to balance mode, that's totally fine. Let them build confidence at their own pace.
Readiness checklist before installing the pedal kit
"While riding their Strider Bike, my child…"
- Can support all their weight on the seat.
- Is able to gain momentum by running with the bike.
- Balances with feet up for extended periods.
- Is able to avoid obstacles in their path.
- Can lean through turns with feet off the ground.
- Is able to find and use the footrests while riding.
- Can control their speed.
- Is able to stop safely.
Before hitting the sidewalk: basic rules & hand signals
- Stop at all road crossings.
- Ride on the right in a straight line.
- Signal your turns with a hand.
- Watch for cars backing out of driveways.
Before every ride, check that the seat, handlebars, and wheels are secure, check tire pressure, oil the chain regularly, and make sure the brakes work well.
Fun activities to practice together
The rocket game
Run with the bike to gain speed, count "3…2…1… blast off!" and pick up your feet to coast.
Hot lava
Pretend there's hot lava everywhere — on "1, 2, 3, hot lava!" your child picks their feet straight up.
Pretend
Lie on your back with feet touching your child's, bend your knees, and pretend to pedal in the air together.
Ride the line
Draw a mini road with chalk — turns, loops, stop signs — and have your child follow the course.
Pocket full of pennies
Riders carry pennies and stop to drop one in a cup at each station — great practice for starting and stopping.
Practice skid-marks
Sounds too easy, but it's the tried-and-true way to practice braking — and kids never tire of it.