Jan 5th 2026
New Year New Skills With Strider
The holidays are packed away, the cookies are gone, and now it’s time to make plans for the New Year.
Here at Strider, we believe in setting small, achievable goals that lead to big kid wins. Instead of making resolutions you’ll forget by February (like sorting the basement), let’s plan something you’ll actually stick to: building empowering developmental skills with your kids and having a fun-tastic time while you do it!
Grab their helmet, we’re mapping out your kiddo’s balance building checklist for the New Year.
Your Roadmap to Mastering Pedaling
Don’t worry — these goals are actually fun! We're here to guide you and your little one to riding success based on where your little ripper is in their developmental journey.
Check out these four key stages to find your starting point.
Goal 1 is designed for the brand-new rider who is just building their relationship with their bike. Goal 2 is perfect for the basic balancer who is ready to walk with their Strider underneath them. If your rider is prepared for agility and some terrain that’s more challenging than paved sidewalks, jump to Goal 3. Finally, Goal 4 is the ultimate big kid moment when they can put all of their skills to the test and start pedaling.
Discovery & Sensory Exploration
This step is for the brand-new rider — including babies who are just starting on the 2-in-1 Rocking Bike. This phase is all about comfort, connection, and learning what a bike is.
The main objective: Build a foundational relationship with the bike by mastering early gross motor skills and sitting comfortably on the saddle.
Rider Resolution Checklist:
- Successfully grab the handlebars and sit centered.
- Practice moving around or rocking the bike.
Parent Resolution: Commit to finding safe, active playtime together at least three times a week, even if it’s just rocking the bike in the living room!
Mastering the Push-Off
This stage is all about eliminating the fear factor and building basic motor control.
The main objective: Master the Stride. Transition from sitting and walking the bike to taking those powerful, continuous pushes.
Rider Resolution Checklist:
- Glide for three seconds without touching the ground.
- Keep full control of the bike while turning and gliding.
Parent Resolution: Commit to capturing one video of a "long glide" each month. Not only does this document their growth, but sharing it with the Strider community helps you connect with other parents in the same phase and keeps the momentum going!
Achieve the Gliding Stride
This is where the skill takes off! The focus shifts to agility, capability, exploration, and problem solving.
The main objective: Conquer the terrain. Use those advanced balancing skills to handle obstacles.
Rider Resolution Checklist:
- Successfully ride across grass, dirt, or through a small pile of leaves without putting a foot down.
- Glide from the driveway to the mailbox with both feet up.
- Test out the standing footrests! Get both feet up for the first time (this is the moment they realize they’re truly balancing) while sitting, and then try standing!
The Pedal Pioneer
This stage is about achieving full independence and mastering the final challenge on the Strider 14x.
The main objective: Achieve unassisted pedaling. Go from striding to pedaling without any help.
Rider Resolution Checklist:
- Successfully transition from striding around the pedals (feet outside the cranks) to lifting feet onto the pedals and riding 10 continuous revolutions.
- Practice the "find the pedal" glide five times a day to build muscle memory.
Parent Resolution: Trust the process. Step back and commit to not holding the seat. Let them experience the ultimate sense of mastery on their own.
Resolutions for the Pit Crew!
A rider is only as good as their support team! Here are some more goals for the grown-ups:
Master the "Pack Flat" Hack
Keep your rider’s Strider ready for adventure. Master disassembling the bike so it’s ready for adventure at a moment's notice. We all know the best riding spots often require a quick car ride!
Embrace the Trial and Error
Commit to offering patience and encouragement when the inevitable spills happen, knowing that every fall is part of the learning process.
Cheers to the New Year! May your next trip around the sun be filled with achievable goals, big strides, and plenty of well-earned adventures.