Ok, I'm sure this has been asked before, But I was unable to find it with the search function.

Training wheels, helpful or hurtful in learning to ride a bike.


I never had training wheels when I leanred how to ride. Of us four kids, the younger of my two sisters is the only one to have training wheels. She also had the hardest time learning to ride as well. If I remember correctly I think she didnt ask for them off until our younger brother (4 years her junior) was rideing without them.

She did alright on the straight aways, but every turn resulting in a fall/crash. It took her forever to learn to turn. I think mostly because the trainign wheels taught her not to lean into the turn, but to just turn the handlebars.

Eventually she got it though.
She now is the only one of my siblings includeing myself that rides motorcycles.

So whatdo you guys think? Did you guys have training wheels? Were you glad you had them? Did you wish you had them?

I remember at the time I wanted them, but I'm so glad that my dad said no.

I had none and learned to ride in 15 minutes. All three of my kids had them and it took me days and days and a lot of patience to re-teach them how to ride without them. IMHO, they are a hindrance to learning how to ride quickly and safely.

Ive seen a Harley-Davidson with training wheels, Parked, here, last summer.

I do not remember when I was 4.

My own experiences
Son 1: Impossible to get him off of training wheels. I ended up using peer pressure as my son's best friend took his training of wheels first.
Son 2: We are using a crankless training bike from performance (a glider?). So far so good...excepting that he is 2 and would rather run everywhere at the moment.

Avoid training wheels if you can. Start with either a strider bike (or take the pedals off).

That being said, I learned with them and haven't suffered any long term negative effects (that I can tell)...

Training wheels will hinder the ability to learn to ride- as they teach one to do things which are counter-productive to balancing.

It takes mere minutes to teach a child (or anyone) how to ride a bike.

Balancing while in motion, isn't really something that needs to be learned; it's something we can all do, naturally. The trick is, just having the confidence to do it the first time; same with swimming.

I still remember learning to ride a bike when I was six! [I was taught by someone named Fred, ironically!]. The guy just held the bike up from behind- so that I couldn't see him....and after a little while, he let go- and I was riding! I was amazed when I looked back and saw that he wasn't holding the bike! Seriously- it takes <5 minutes to treach a kid to ride that way. Of course, once they learn to balance, then you can explain some of the finer points- like about wet leaves and sand/loose gravel; ride as if you're invisible; and all that.......

It seems, everyone I knew who had training wheels, ended up taking years to learn to ride on their own...and even longer to become competent and confident.