Radio interview: benefits of Balanceability

Balanceability sales manager Brittany Eagle made a guest appearance on BBC Radio Northampton to highlight the benefits of learning to cycle through the programme. 

She was interviewed by Drivetime presenter John Griff who heard that children as young as three can ride a pedal bike at the end of the cycle coaching programme – without ever needing stabilisers.   

During the live radio interview, John told listeners that Balanceability was not around when he was a child. He said his dad taught him to ride in the back garden (presumably he was older than three) and was keen to know where Balanceability is delivered.

Brittany said: “We mostly work with schools and local authorities and leisure sites, providing the equipment, all the balance bikes, session plans and staff training. The programme can be delivered to those children who might not be able to access it [cycling] at home.  

“Maybe they [children] live in a flat, maybe their mum and dad work really long hours; it happens a lot these days. But in schools, they’re going to have access to cycling within their PE programme, after-school clubs or even leisure sites and communities.” 

John wondered whether, like him, many children still learn in the traditional way. He asked: “Why is there a need for this [Balanceability]?” 

Brittany said children who ride bikes with stabilisers do not develop the core skills they need to balance. Balanceability, on the other hand, teaches children how to balance on a bike which allows them to quickly and smoothly transition to a pedal bike. 

She said: “We do find that a lot of children are learning to ride from their hand-me-downs from their brothers and sisters.  

“These are really chunky, heavy bikes with stabilisers. These children are getting on these bikes with stabilisers, they’re struggling to pedal them because they haven’t got those core skills that they need and the balance to be able to take those stabilisers off.  

“So when mum and dad are going ‘Oh they’re too old, let’s take those stabilisers off’, these children don’t have the balance to stay upright! To be able to develop those skills on a pedal-less bike, they’ve got the balance and it makes a really nice, smooth transition to them being able to pedal.” 

Designed for children as young as two-and-a-half upwards, Balanceability works directly with schools to promote the physical benefits of cycling for young children as well as providing a success-orientated experience.  

The programme combines unique ergonomic balance bikes with a schedule of fun activities that build confidence, spatial-awareness and dynamic balance skills, enabling young children to cycle without ever needing stabilisers. 

The radio interview was part of our partnership with Forestry England to offer taster sessions at Salcey Forest in Northampton. You can listen to the full interview below.

Find out more about Balanceability by visiting our Schools page.