For most children, cycling is fun. It gives them a sense of freedom and independence.
For children with cerebral palsy, who are able to walk, learning to ride a bike can be more challenging than for other children.
Benefits of cycling for a child with cerebral palsy
Cycling has a broad range of benefits.
They fit with the F-words for child development:
- fitness
- family
- friends
- function
- future
- fun
F-words for child development - canchild.ca
Fitness
Cycling is a great way to:
- improve a child’s cardiovascular fitness, coordination and balance
- manage weight
- exercise in a low-impact way that is non-weight bearing
Along with the physical health benefits of cycling, there are many mental health benefits. These include a sense of empowerment and achievement.
Family
Cycling is an activity that your family may be able do together. For example, in parks or along greenways.
Friends
Cycling is something your child can do independently with their friends.
Function
Cycling is very functional as a form of transport.
Future
Cycling can be a lifelong activity. It can be a great way for children to develop their independence.
Fun
Cycling is great fun.
How cerebral palsy can affect a child's ability to cycle
Some children with cerebral palsy are not able to walk far. And to cycle, they may need a bicycle to be adapted for their needs.
Making adaptations
Children with cerebral palsy are affected in different ways. How severely they are affected can have an impact on their ability to cycle.
Some children can manage to hold onto the handlebars and operate the brakes, without difficulty.
Some children with cerebral palsy have one side that is much stronger or more coordinated than the other. This can affect how they balance or pedal.
It can also affect how well they are able to hold on to the handlebars with both hands. They may need some adaptations to their bike to help with this.
Should your child use stabilisers when learning?
Use stabilisers if your child finds it very challenging to learn to cycle. They can still enjoy many of the benefits of cycling.
When they get used to cycling, you may be able to consider removing the stabilisers.
If you think your child may not need stabilisers, start them with a balance bike.
Start off on a 10-inch or 12-inch balance bike. They can progress to a 14-inch bike without stabilisers when they're tall enough and have developed their sense of balance.
Many people teach cycling by holding the back of the bike and letting go when the child builds momentum. But this is not the best way to teach a child to cycle, especially if they have physical difficulties.
This method might work for some, but it usually takes longer. Your child does not get the same chance to feel how to balance and stabilise the bike themselves. This makes it harder to learn and can increase the risk of falling.
Riding a bicycle: learning to balance
If your child is nervous
Your child may be very nervous around bicycles.
If they are not ready to try cycling, it can be useful to let them push their bike, for example, to a park. Collect leaves or pine cones and carry them in the basket. By doing this, your child can start engaging with their bike in a positive way. They may become more interested in sitting on it eventually.
Getting the right bike
Getting the right bike can sometimes be the key to success.
When choosing a bike, consider how heavy it is.
Look at the style of the bike and the type of handlebars. BMX-style bike handlebars can often sit closer to the child.
Some handlebars are adjustable. You can bring them closer to your child. This can be very useful for some children who may not have a good reach on one side.
Sizing and symmetry of the bike
There are things you can do to make sure a bike is the right size and symmetry for your child.
Do
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make sure the saddle on a balance bike is set lower than on a standard bike, so they can put both feet flat on the ground with knees slightly bent - this can help them feel more stable and confident
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check the size of the bike - this is written on the tyre
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make sure the seat is not too high or too low - both can affect your child’s control of the bike
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check how the symmetry of the bike suits your child’s strengths - is the kickstand or bell fitted for the child's non-affected side
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check the bike’s gears - they may be on both handlebars or just one side depending on the style of the bike
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check that your child can manage the brakes - for example, are they fitted to the handlebars so they can reach them with their fingers
Adapting a bike for a child with cerebral palsy
Bike skills for children with ambulant cerebral palsy, part 1 (video)
This content was adapted from a 2-part series of videos by Enable Ireland.