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Lose The Training Wheels is a nationwide program that helps developmentally challenged children learn to ride a conventional 2-wheeled bicycle through unconventional means. By using specially developed bicycles with shaped wheels to meet the balance challenges of the individual participants, the kids are able to develop their balance on their own and gradually step up to thinner and thinner wheels until they are riding a bike just the same as their peers. On a large scale, bicycles may help to solve our energy crisis but on a person-to-person basis the freedom and empowerment of riding can really help children develop positive self-esteem, balance and even mechanical aptitude.
We learned of this program through the recent 5-day camp in Pittsburgh. As quoted in the Post-Gazette, Sharon Gretz of the Special Kids Network of Pennsylvania, “It’s a rite of passage for young people to be able to do this. By being able to ride a regular two-wheel bicycle that looks just like their neighbor’s bike, it helps them become more integrated and involved in the community with their peers.”
For more information or to find out how you can get involved, see www.losethetrainingwheels.org.
I have come to the conclusion that training wheels are a pretty dumb way to teach balance and confidence for a very young rider. In Germany and Switzerland I noticed the kindergartens use bikes without pedals, like the earliest bone-shakers, that children sit astride and propel with their feet. When they show ability to coast and balance, then they move onto a bike with pedals. Training wheels on pedal bikes cause accidents as they affect the handling. The learning challenge is balance, not pedals.
When I learned how to ride a bike, I didn’t use training wheels. Similar to what N Blocking said, I coasted downhill and learned to balance first. Once I was confortable with that, I put my feet on the pedals and propelled myself.
Those bikes (and that program…what a cool concept!) is awesome. Where can I get a wide-wheeled beauty like that one in the center of the photo?
agree with N Bocking and john – taught my kids the same way, no pedals to start