How do you become the best tricycle rider in the neighbourhood?
Hello to all budding tricycle riders! Do you dream of becoming the fastest, smartest and toughest tricycle rider in your neighbourhood? Then you’ve come to the right place! With these tips and fun challenges, you can improve your cycling skills and become the king(s) of tricycles. Put on your helmet and get your tricycle ready, because we’re going for it!
1. Perfect turns: master the steering
Cornering can feel different on a tricycle than on a two-wheeler, but with some practice you will become a real steering expert!
- Tip: Lean in slightly when making a turn, but remember that a tricycle is more stable, so you don’t need to lean as deep as on a two-wheeler. Keep your hands firmly on the handlebars and look where you want to go.
- Challenge: Plot a course with cones or bottles and try to manoeuvre through the bends as quickly as possible without knocking anything over. Can you race through a zigzag course without falling over?
2. Stopping safely and quickly: braking techniques
Being able to stop quickly is important, especially since a tricycle brakes differently from a regular bike. Here’s how to practise that:
- Tip: Use both brakes at the same time for an even stop. Depress the brakes gently to avoid sudden stops, which can feel uncomfortable on a tricycle.
- Challenge: Ask a friend or relative to point out a dot on the ground while you cycle at a distance. Try to stop as close as possible to that dot without riding over it. How accurately can you brake?
3. Over obstacles: balance and control
Staying stable is easier on a tricycle, but obstacles can still be a challenge. Here’s how to pass them safely:
- Tip: When approaching an obstacle, slow down a little and make sure you stay in the middle of your saddle. Steer carefully around the obstacle or ride slowly over it if you can do so safely.
- Challenge: Lay a board or small obstacle on the ground and practise riding over it without stopping. Can you do this without rocking or stopping?
4. Speed and stability: tricycles and stairs
A tricycle can give you a lot of speed and stability if you use the right technique. Here’s how to get faster:
- Tip: Keep your feet firmly on the pedals and pedal with an even motion. On a tricycle, you can pedal faster without worrying about balance, so use that advantage!
- Challenge: Find a flat, long road and use a stopwatch to measure your speed. Each time, try to cycle faster than the last time. Can you break your own record?
5. Safety first: the most important rules
A great tricycle rider is also a safe cyclist. Always follow these rules:
- Tip: Always wear a helmet and make sure you are highly visible with bright clothing and reflectors on your tricycle. Use hand signals to indicate when you are turning, and keep both hands on the handlebars except when indicating.
- Challenge: Organise a safety course for yourself and your friends! Who can remember and apply the most rules during a ride around the neighbourhood?
Ready to become the best tricycle rider?
With these tips and challenges, you can get a little better on your tricycle every day. Keep practising, have fun and who knows, you might soon be the best tricycle rider in your neighbourhood. Cycle smart, stay safe and show everyone what you can do on your Huka tricycle!
Have fun cycling! 🚴♂️🚴♀️
