| Purchasing a Strider Bike is just the beginning to | | | | while sitting. |
| freedom from a tricycle. Read on to find out the best | | | | - Remember this cannot be taught. Most children begin |
| and safest way to get the most out of your new bike. | | | | by shuffling their feet and moving the bike a couple of |
| When receiving your new bike, take the time to read | | | | inches. |
| the instructions. Although it takes mere minutes to | | | | - As the child grows to relax in this seated position, his |
| assemble, please remember the following: | | | | strides will become longer and the bike will move |
| - Adjust the seat AND handlebars to a common | | | | faster. Eventually the child will be scooting in a seated |
| height. Handle bars should be a comfortable arms | | | | position and will be ready for rougher terrain. |
| length. Seat should be adjusted with child sitting firmly, | | | | Additional Information: |
| knees bent at a slight angle. | | | | - Strider Bikes are so small and light they go |
| - Make sure that helmet/pads (can be purchased via | | | | anywhere. Keep them in your trunk ready for any |
| Strider) are adjusted properly to your child's head and | | | | outdoor activity. |
| body proportions. Helmet should be two fingers width | | | | - They are easily hung on the handles of any carriage. |
| from top of head to level of vision. It should rest | | | | - Gloves may not fit-cut tips off. Most riders will never |
| securely on head-not tilt forward or slide back. | | | | need more than one pair. |
| - Pads are generally not adjustable-please make sure | | | | - Children LOVE to Stride. Be sure to keep them |
| to purchase snug but not tight fitting ones. | | | | well-hydrated and feed small intermittent snacks. |
| - Take child to a flat grassy or similar surface for his | | | | - Until child is able to maneuver the bike on his own |
| first attempt. Hard sand or mud, bicycle lanes are | | | | please stay in enclosed area with a giving terrain. |
| preferred. Do not begin on concrete or asphalt. Allow | | | | - Always assume responsibility for your child's safety |
| child to sit comfortably on bike. He may tilt from side to | | | | - Teach your child the "rules of the road" when using |
| side-this is natural as he/she finds their center of | | | | the bike path/park. |
| balance. Allow child as much freedom as possible | | | | - Expect bruises and scrapes mostly on hands. |
| while exploring this new position. | | | | For more advanced riders who expose themselves to |
| - The bike is designed to be moved by the child and | | | | injury, a full face helmet is recommended. Please note: |
| NOT the parent. Try to step away and let your child | | | | full face helmets are heavy on a child's head and may |
| find his rhythm. The more the parent will hover/hold the | | | | cause more hindrance than help. Weigh your options. |
| bike, the longer it will take the child to begin moving the | | | | Follow these tried and true suggestions from Strider |
| bike on his own. | | | | families and you too will be on your way to hours of |
| - Expect your child (depending on his/her level/age) to | | | | healthy outdoor activties that even your youngest can |
| become frustrated. Many children will get off and on | | | | participate in! |
| for quite a while before getting the idea of walking | | | | |