Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,130
Likes: 6,348
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I've taught many adults and children to ride a bike. I also use the technique of lowering the seat and removing the pedals. Handling has to be learned before pedaling.
A good way to assuage the fear is to go to a soft grassy area, rolling slowly, and deliberately falling on your side. Do this yourself before telling your student to do the same. Once she realizes that falling is quite survivable, she can take better risks.
But the big question is how motivated she is. Let her take the lead. Make offers, and let her take or leave them.
One smaller question is whether she wants you as her teacher. Sometimes, these things are better taught by someone who is not a family member.