Page 16 - Wonder Woods Parent Handbook

Balance Bikes

Wonder Woods has balance bikes available to our children exploring
within our woodland. adventures
Characteristics:

No pedals
Both feet can be placed on the ground
Small wheels (usually 12in)
Light weight (compared with pedal bike

Balance bikes are not only fun, great exercise and exciting
to children; they develop gross motor skills, encourage
independence and promote confidence.

Cycling is an environmentally friendly and sustainable form of transport that we actively
encourage. We want children to have the freedom and independence to access our balance
bikes when they choose.

We will:

1.Maintain our bikes – we ask that if you cycle to
Wonder Woods then please leave your child’s
bike at the gate.

2.Only use balance bikes, not pedal bikes, because:

They are appropriate to all children at our nursery
They are easier to maintain
They are easier for children to control
They are lower to the ground, lighter weight than a
standard bike and tend to go slower

3.Provide, encourage and support children to wear
a helmet. We will not stop a child from using a
balance bike without a helmet during normal use.

For example, on flattish ground in the woodland,
not racing others. We are happy for children to
bring their own helmet with them.

4.Ask your child to wear a helmet if they wish to
extend ‘normal use’. For example, ride down the
cabin ramp; ride over a raised beam, racing.

This guidance was created October 2022 in consultation with staff and parents.
The following document was reviewed: Balance bike injuries: A retrospective chart review
with the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 2022 15