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HITTING THE ROAD> TEACHING YOUR CHILD TO RIDE> TEACHING YOUR CHILD TO RIDE Bicycling Magazine Helping your child learn to pedal a two-wheeler is a milestone-and an unforgettable experience for both of you. Here's Bicycling Magazine's preferred method, which differs from the traditional run-beside-the-bike way most of us were taught. We've found that it results in fewer crashes and a faster learning time-many kids begin spinning on their own within 15-20 minutes.
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Remove the training wheels and lower the saddle so your child can put his or her feet flat on the ground when seated.
Find a grassy field with a gentle downhill of 30 yards or so. Short grass is better because tall grass sucks momentum. The ideal area runs out to a slight uphill to slow the child gradually.
Strap on the child's helmet. Tuck in shoelaces.
Midway up the hill, hold the bike while your child gets on. Have him or her put both feet on the ground, then let go of the bike. 
Tell your child to lift his or her feet about an inch and coast down the hill without pedaling. Try not to hold the bike to steady your child. Because the child is coasting slowly, he or she can put his or her foot down if scared.
Repeat until your child feels comfortable coasting and doesn't put his or her feet down to stop. He or she might want you to run beside the bike the first few times; do so, but don't hold the bike. Let your child feel the balance.
Now have your child put his or her feet on the pedals and coast down. After several runs, have him or her begin pedaling as he or she rolls.
Repeat until your child feels comfortable, then move up the hill. After another run, raise the saddle and go to a flat part of the field or a cul-de-sac to ride loops and to practice turning, braking and starting from a standstill.