Can your child ride a bike? Take the test!
Not all children learn to cycle at the same speed. This is because they do not all get the same practice opportunities, and their motor development also varies.
Because of these differences, it is not always easy for parents and teachers to assess whether a child is ready to take the cycling exam or to ride a bike on the street. Thanks to our bike test for children aged 5 to 12, you can test this in a few simple steps.
Three levels of cycling
De Fietsschool's cycling test helps test children's cycling skills and classifies them into three levels.
- Beginner - No cycling experience, struggles with pedalling and keeping balance.
- Basic - Can cycle, but has little control.
- Advanced - Cycles, steers, brakes and takes off smoothly.
Take the bike test!
Go through the following tasks with your child. That way, you will determine the level and know what to focus on to help your child learn to cycle smoothly and safely.
1. Walking with the bike
Let your child walk with his or her bike by the hand through a course of obstacles. Think turns, risers, narrow passages...
Does it all go a bit awkwardly? Then the child is a real beginner, and more practice is needed first to become familiar with the bike. Does this go smoothly? Then do the next task.
2. Start to bike
Can your child get the bike moving by paddling it, like a balance bike? Can they stand on the pedal with one foot and push with the other? Can your child set off independently without help? And does it then manage to cycle a small distance?
Then the child has already mastered the basics. Also do the next task. If this task is difficult, then the child needs more practice first to get the bike under control.
3. Cycle!
Can your child cycle straight through a narrow passage 1 metre wide? Can your child zigzag between a row of water bottles 2 metres apart? Can your child come to a smooth stop when you call STOP? Can your child stop in a designated compartment?
If so, your child is already well advanced in his or her cycling skills. A few more tests, such as looking backwards or indicating direction with the arm, and the child is ready to take the cycling exam or take the bike out on the street.
More than just cycling skills
Whether a child passes the cycling exam, or can move through traffic independently and confidently, depends on several factors. Cycling ability is only one aspect. Personal character, ability to concentrate, playfulness and traffic insight also play a role.
Therefore, build up cycling skills gradually and step by step. That way, you will ensure that a child is really ready for the cycling exam or for cycling in traffic. Good luck and have fun cycling!
Want to know more about cycling classes for children?
Fietsschool XS helps eliminate bicycle arrears among primary school children. With success. Because after 4 lessons, 75% of participants achieve the expected cycling proficiency. Would you like to know more about our approach?