See if dc will learn to ride a razor scooter. That uses many of the same balance skills. Then once totally at ease on the scooter try a bike with the pedals removed. Then when dc asks for the pedals put them on.

Or as other posters say, just let the issue go. Bike riding...eh.

I guess it's not essential, but there's a wonderful feeling of freedom that comes with being able to ride a bike. My 8 year old DD has been very reluctant in the past, but has got it now and is loving it.

I think that every kid needs to know how to swim. I don't think that every kid needs to know how to ride a bike. What's the worst that can happen from your 8-year-old not knowing how to ride a bike? This is a sincere question.

My parents forced the issue when I was 10, I learned and rode once across the parking lot and have never ridden again. Not sure why parents feel the need to do this. My kids decided to learn when they wanted to go somewhere on thier own.

I was once an 8 year old who didn't want to ride a bike. My parents forced me to learn and in retrospect I'm glad they did. It's one of those life skills you should have.

Do you know why your child doesn't want to ride? Fear? Maybe if you can talk it through with your child and let him/her know you are not trying to be evil and that you understand how scary it can be. If your child feels understood, perhaps that will lessen the resistance.

And if he/she is still refusing and it's a major power struggle, just drop it and try again in a year.

I do think a class is a good idea, I saw a notice at Roosevelt island about an NPS sponsored class. Good luck!

My future.

My firstborn jumped on a bike the minute he had a chance and was riding without training wheels right before age 4.

My second born--now 5.5--has no desire to get on a bike....at all.

Do you really think it's that important? If it were my kid, I'd lay off the issue. He's not going to do what he's not going to do.

Bribery? There must be something worth getting out of the car for ... ?

Anonymous wrote:I have an 8 year old that refuses to ride a bike. Also refuses to take a class. Wouldn't even get out of the car.

I think we have the same child.

I have an 8 year old that refuses to ride a bike. Also refuses to take a class. Wouldn't even get out of the car.

Anonymous wrote:Take your child to practice somewhere outside his/her neighborhood. Drive to a different elementary school parking lot on a weekend and ride there, where there's lots of room and no risk of any of your kid's friends coming by.

We've tried this a gazillion times, unfortunately. Anyplace you can name.

I love the class ideas! Thank you PPs!

Take your child to practice somewhere outside his/her neighborhood. Drive to a different elementary school parking lot on a weekend and ride there, where there's lots of room and no risk of any of your kid's friends coming by.

We didn't do this, but I've heard fantastic things about the Parks and Rec programs that have kids riding a bike within an hour or something. I'd tell your kid that it's a non-negotiable that they do one of those classes. Drop them off with their bike and let someone else do the rest. Then heap on the praise when they get it. It's understandable to be scared, but I agree you just gotta do it. Take him/her out for a special dinner that night!

Outsource this. You're making it a battle btwn you and the child. I believe REI has classes in the springtime for kids.

I am not a pushy parent. I do not force classes or anything else, for that matter. But one thing I feel is important is to learn to ride a bike. My 8 y.o. refuses to do so. I feel really strongly about this. Instead of criticisms (I can hear them already - they are predictable and transparent), does anyone have any useful information so my 8 y.o. will learn to ride?