Strider Bikes is a brand built on the foundation of passion for riding and a commitment to empowering children through the joy of cycling. Since its inception in 2007 by founder Ryan McFarland, Strider Bikes has redefined how children learn to ride by focusing on balance and coordination first, which has proven to be the key to mastering two wheels. Designed to be simple, lightweight, and intuitive, Strider Bikes have been making learning to ride fun, safe, and engaging for kids all over the world.

The Strider Story: Built for Adventure

Strider’s journey began in Rapid City, South Dakota, when Ryan McFarland realised traditional bikes with pedals, training wheels, and tricycles weren’t suitable for his young son, Bode. They were too heavy, too complex, and didn’t focus on balance, the most critical aspect of learning to ride. In response, Ryan modified Bode’s bike, creating a lightweight and perfectly sized balance bike, which became the first Strider Bike. Bode’s quick mastery of the bike’s controls showed that focusing on balance first made all the difference, leading to the birth of Strider Bikes. Today, Strider has sold over 4 million bikes across 75 countries, inspiring children around the globe to experience the freedom of two wheels.

Why Balance Bikes?

A balance bike is a pedal-free, two-wheeled bike that allows children to learn how to balance and steer before moving on to a pedal bike. Strider's core philosophy revolves around teaching kids these critical skills in an intuitive and enjoyable way. With no pedals to complicate things, young riders can focus on gaining balance and confidence, ultimately making the transition to pedal bikes smoother and faster. Strider’s unique lightweight design, ergonomic features, and age-appropriate sizes ensure that kids as young as 18 months can start their riding journey.

Building Confidence and Fun

Strider Bikes aren’t just tools for teaching balance—they are about sparking adventure and building confidence. Whether it’s a toddler cruising down a sidewalk or competing in Strider Cup races, every ride on a Strider brings fun and excitement. Strider offers more than just bikes. They create a sense of community and adventure for their young riders, offering a variety of events where children can gather, ride, and race. These events celebrate the joy of riding and provide a platform for children to showcase their skills, all while having a blast.

A Global Movement

What started in a garage is now a global movement. Strider Bikes are distributed in over 75 countries, with partnerships that extend into educational institutions, schools, and community organisations. Strider provides curricula and training materials to help teachers and caregivers give children the skills they need to enjoy life on two wheels. By fostering a culture of riding, Strider has created a lasting impact on millions of families worldwide, showing that learning to ride doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be fun, exciting, and confidence-boosting.