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Cycling

Cycling is a popular physical activity and developmental skill that promotes health, independence, and social inclusion. For children, learning to ride a bicycle isa milestone that supports physical growth and cognitive development.

Development Skills

Balance

Coordination

Body & Spatial Awareness

Benefits

For Children in General

  • Cycling provides a low-impact form of cardiovascular exercise that supports physical health and endurance¹.
  • This type of physical activity can also help improve motor coordination, balance, and muscle strength⁹.
  • Cycling encourages outdoor experiences, play, and social interaction with peers and family members¹².
  • Mastering a complex skill like biking builds children’s confidence and independence⁸.

Specific Benefits for Autistic Kids

  • Learning to bike can lead to brain-based benefits like improved thinking skills, flexibility in trying new things, and better self-control⁸ ¹³.
  • Biking may support positive social behaviors and boost motivation for other physical activities¹¹.
  • Mastery of biking often helps reduce fear and builds courage to attempt other physical challenges³.
  • Cycling strengthens muscles and helps improve balance, posture, and body awareness—areas where many autistic children may need support⁴.
  • A study using no-pedal (balance) bikes over five weeks showed significant improvement in balance and coordination for autistic children aged 6–10⁹.
  • In addition to physical benefits, parents report emotional and psychological improvements once their children learn to ride a bike. These include better rule-following, participation in routines, increased confidence, social participation, and engagement in community activities⁷.

Risks

For All Kids

  • Children may experience falls or accidents that cause bruises, cuts, or bone and muscle injuries¹⁰.
  • Environmental risks include traffic, poor weather, or lack of safe riding paths¹².
  • An improperly fitted bike may cause discomfort or lead to injuries³.
  • Not using a helmet or lacking adult supervision increases the risk of head injuries¹⁰.
  • Frustration or discouragement may arise if a child struggles to learn the skill⁴.

Specific Risks for Autistic Kids

  • Delays in motor skills and coordination can make learning more difficult⁵.
  • Repeated setbacks may impact self-esteem and reduce motivation⁶.
  • Sensory sensitivities may make helmets or noisy environments uncomfortable¹².
  • Overstimulation or fatigue may lead to behavioral challenges during practice⁸

Strategies for Successful Participation
General Strategies for All Children

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Specific Strategies for Autistic Kids and Their Families
  • Learning to bike can take years for some children. It is common for families to feel discouraged. For many, success comes with time, persistence, and professional support.
  • Involve professionals: Occupational therapists (OTs) often play a key role in teaching biking to autistic children. One approach used is "Crossing the Midline" activities to prepare children for the physical coordination needed.
  • Use tandem bikes to help children practice pedaling while an adult handles balance¹³.
  • Enroll in adapted programs like iCan Bike, HUB Adaptive Cycling, or Canucks Autism Network that offer 1:1 instruction and specialized bikes⁸.

    • ‍

    Specific Strategies for Autistic Kids and Their Families
  • A one-week bike camp saw all 15 autistic children improve their motor skills over half learned to ride at least 70 feet on their own⁴.
  • Use task-based learning that builds on each child’s strengths and interests⁴.
  • Keep sessions short and consistent to avoid overwhelm and build comfort¹³.
  • Visual aids like chalk lines or cones can help structure the practice area.
  • Provide immediate and consistent praise or rewards when safety rules or tasks are completed⁴.
  • Practice in large, open spaces free of obstacles and distractions¹³

    • ‍

    Additional Resources

    iCan Bike – Kelowna:

    iCan Bike is a program offered through iCan Shine that teaches individuals with disabilities how to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle using adapted equipment, trained professionals, and volunteers. The program typically runs in Kelowna during summer in collaboration with local organizations. For more information visit

    https://icanshine.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/iCan-Bike.png
    Canucks Autism Network

    Canucks Autism Network – Outdoor Active Program The Outdoor Active Program by the Canucks Autism Network offers inclusive outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and paddling for autistic youth aged13 and up. Delivered in partnership with CRIS Adaptive Adventures, this program encourages physical activity and social connection in nature.

    https://canucksautism.ca/programs/
    City of Kelowna – Adaptive Recreation Programs 

    City of Kelowna – Adaptive Recreation Programs The City of Kelowna offers a variety of adaptive programs for individuals of all abilities. These include accessible cycling, swimming, and fitness opportunities, as well as an Access Pass for discounted access to programs and facilities..

    https://autismokanagan.ca/hockey

    References

    [1] Fragala-Pinkham, M. A., Ball, A. L., & Jeffries, L. M. (2021). Efficacy of Lower Extremity Cycling Interventions for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 41(4), 410–428. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2020.1862384

    [2] Hauck, J., Jeong, I., Esposito,P., Macdonald, M., Hornyak, J., Argento, A., & Ulrich, D. A. (2017).Benefits of Learning to Ride a Two-Wheeled Bicycle for Adolescents with downSyndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Palaestra, 31(2), 35–41.

    [3] Hawks, Z., Constantino, J. N.,Weichselbaum, C., & Marrus, N. (2020). Accelerating Motor Skill Acquisitionfor Bicycle Riding in Children with ASD: A Pilot Study. Journal of Autism& Developmental Disorders, 50(1), 342–348. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04224-5

    [4] MacDonald, M., Lord, C., & Ulrich, D. (2013). The relationship of motor skills and adaptive behavior skills in young children with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 7(11), 1383-1390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2013.07.020

    [5] Mandich, A. D., et al. (2003). Understanding Participation of Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. Human Movement Science, 22, 583–595.

    [6] Merce, J., et al. (2021). Inclusion through Bicycles: Experiences of Families of Children with Disabilities. Sport in Society, 24(4), 697–711. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2019.1703699

    [7] National Library of Medicine (2022). Bicycling Benefits for Children with Autism. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9406935/

    [8] Ringenbach, S. D. R., et al. (2015). Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) Improves Self-Control in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 40(4), 376–387.

    [9] Shim, A. L., Peterson, S., & Turbes, J. (2016). Incorporating a pedal-less bicycle curriculum into a K-5th grade after-school program to improve stability for ASD children: Editor: Ferman konukman. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 87(3), 52-54. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2016.1131555

    [10] Stewart, O., Vernez Moudon, A., & Claybrooke, C. (2012). Common ground: Eight factors that influence walking and biking to school. Transport Policy, 24, 240-248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2012.06.016

    [11] Thompson, M. J., & Rivara, F. P. (2001). Bicycle-Related Injuries. American Family Physician, 63(10).

    [12] Temple, V. A., et al. (2016). Peer-Mediated Exercise Program for Youth with Intellectual Disability. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 29(6), 571–582.

    [13] Tse, A. C. Y., et al. (2021). Improving Executive Function of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder through Cycling Skill Acquisition. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 53(7), 1417–1424

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