9 Steps to Teach Your Child Brake Safely

To have a safe ride and improve your child’s riding skills it is important to teach them how to use the brakes properly. Both the front and rear brakes have their specific purpose. When your child gets familiar with them, they will gain better control over the bike and avoid unnecessary crashes.

Here are 9 steps to guide your little one to use both brakes safely and effectively.

It is important to explain to the kids how the brakes work so they can learn about the difference between the front and rear brake. While the rear brake tends to lock the rear wheel and slow the moving bike down gradually, the front brake is much more effective for stopping. However, if the front brake is pulled too harshly, there is a risk of falling over the handlebars. Therefore, the child must understand how to use both brakes sensibly before riding their bike.  It also goes in hand with shifting the body's weight backward.

Before the first ride, show your little one how to use the brakes. Sit them on the bike with your support and tell them to pull the rear brake first so they can feel how the bike slows down. Then do the same with the front brake.

Explain that combining both brakes is the most effective and demonstrate this by having them pull both brakes simultaneously when riding slow.

Find a safe place. A quiet car park or local playground and park will do. Let your little rascal ride slowly at first and get them pull the rear brake. Once they get the feel of using the rear brake you can start using the front one.

The goal is to teach them apply the front brake gently while using the rear brake. Remember that your little rider may feel a bit insecure at first. Therefore, be patient and give them enough room and time to practice.

Is your rider a bit more confident using both brakes now? Then it is time to teach him how to brake in emergencies.

Explain that to stop immediately both brakes must be pulled simultaneously. Emphasize they need to concentrate more on the rear brake - this will prevent them from falling over the handlebars. Keep practicing and gradually increase the riding speed.

Natural riding position when braking is key to safety. Show your little one how to shift their weight slightly backward when braking. This will reduce the risk of flying over the handlebars. They should hold the handlebars firmly with arms stretched, always looking ahead in the direction they are heading.

There are two extremes in the braking style: cyclists either pull the front brake hard or completely lock the rear wheel by holding the rear lever.

If the rider does not shift their center of gravity backward when pulling only the front brake, they most likely end up flying over the handlebars. On the other hand, blocking the rear wheel while stopping only with the rear brake causes significant wear out of the tyre. Intensive skidding can destroy a tyre even within one afternoon. Especially when you ride MTB tyres made from a softer, more grippy compound.

When correcting speed, it is important to use the braking power wisely. The brakes do not have an on/off position - so it all depends on how hard you pull the brake lever.

However, other factors also come into play: the riding speed or the surface we ride on. That is why it is important to know how the bike reacts in various situations. The rider should be able to estimate the right moment and distances when stopping.

At lower speeds, we can do just with the rear brake when braking. However, if you want to stop your bike or have full control over it, you need to master the use of the front brake as well. It all requires experience. Therefore, make the most of every opportunity your child wants to go for a ride.

Keep in mind that every little rider learns at a different pace. Some children learn to use the brakes quickly, others need more time.

Be patient and let your little one have fun and get more experienced step by step. Repetition is the key to mastering the brake levers.

Functional brakes are a must. Therefore, do not forget to check the brakes on your child’s bike regularly.

Make sure they are in good condition and well-adjusted. For rim brakes, make sure that they run smoothly, that the brake pads are not too worn, and that they align nicely with the rim. Keep the braking surface of the rim clean.

In case of hydraulic disc brakes, check the wear of the brake pads and see if pulling the brake levers is not too soft. If so, have the brakes bled at a professional bike shop. Keep the brake discs clean and avoid smearing them with oil.

Tip: Check out our article Children’s Bicycle Maintenance: A Practical Guide for Parents

Braking using the front and rear brakes is an essential skill for your child’s safety. When learning any new skill, it is important to take it gradually and be patient. Start with a simple explanation and demonstration. Then keep practicing. Once your child feels comfortable with both the rear and front brake, they will start enjoying their bike even more. And you can be a lot calmer – you have saved them from quite a few crashes and bruised knees.