Pushing pedals on a bike - what is normal for a nearly 5 year old?

I would see if you could get a referral to your local health centre OT - I got one for DD when she was 18mo through MCHN, so try there. I think an OT could tell you if her skill level was normal/ exercises to work on if needed. If you want to go to a Podiatrist you don't need a referral for private (but may need one for a public one - not sure)

wysiwyg - I went straight to my local children's services (physio, hearing, psych etc). A free service in my area. I asked to see a podiatrist because DS was someone who would often trip over his own feet. Other people considered him clumsy, but he was very agile too. I mean riding a bike at 3, no training wheels, and swimming lengths of the pool too. But yet he was always sporting a bruise on his head from various tumbles. I assumed that it was because he was so little and trying too hard. He would wake twice a night 3/4 times a week with cramp or sore legs.

The podiatrist immediately diagnosed joint hypermobility and low muscle tone. We were transferred to a physio. OT is actually a different area. Physio does strength and muscle etc. OT does subtly different things. I didn't know who to see, but they worked it out and got me to the right person.

I have since met other children with low muscle tone, and a couple with the low muscle tone combined with hypermobility.

As for shoes, DS can only wear completely fitting covered shoes. He has no strength in his feet to hold his shoes on, so he needs the shoes to hold themselves on. They have to be super bendy in the middle and a very firm heel counter. I used to be frustrated that he could manage to 'lose' his shoes off his feet while walking. He'd say, oh they fell off back there. I'd be bemused. Now I know why!

Anyway, not saying DD has any of this. Just might make you aware of one of the things it could be.

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wysiwyg - I went straight to my local children's services (physio, hearing, psych etc). A free service in my area. I asked to see a podiatrist because DS was someone who would often trip over his own feet. Other people considered him clumsy, but he was very agile too. I mean riding a bike at 3, no training wheels, and swimming lengths of the pool too. But yet he was always sporting a bruise on his head from various tumbles. I assumed that it was because he was so little and trying too hard. He would wake twice a night 3/4 times a week with cramp or sore legs.

The podiatrist immediately diagnosed joint hypermobility and low muscle tone. We were transferred to a physio. OT is actually a different area. Physio does strength and muscle etc. OT does subtly different things. I didn't know who to see, but they worked it out and got me to the right person.

I have since met other children with low muscle tone, and a couple with the low muscle tone combined with hypermobility.

As for shoes, DS can only wear completely fitting covered shoes. He has no strength in his feet to hold his shoes on, so he needs the shoes to hold themselves on. They have to be super bendy in the middle and a very firm heel counter. I used to be frustrated that he could manage to 'lose' his shoes off his feet while walking. He'd say, oh they fell off back there. I'd be bemused. Now I know why!

Anyway, not saying DD has any of this. Just might make you aware of one of the things it could be.

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Thanks for the info - I will look into the children's services The shoe thing is similar - but then I am like that too, and I have always thought was just lack of practice/interest in wearing other shoes. Hypermobility is often linked with hip dysplasia - but to me she is the other way - very unflexible (my mum often has commented on what a stiff child she seems). Her cramps don't tend to be at night but just sitting certain positions.

She has been late at developing most other physical things - so it could be just that - and maybe combined with my desire for her to enjoy riding a bike just because I love it so much. Need to finish this hell of a contract and then can sort it out - maybe she will have mastered it by then - or maybe it will be like the podiatrist and she started walking the day after the appointment :-)

I can't add any to what the others have said and don't really know what's 'normal' in terms of pedaling at her age. But I know several good OTs and an OT who is also a podiatrist if you need names. :)

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I can't add any to what the others have said and don't really know what's 'normal' in terms of pedaling at her age. But I know several good OTs and an OT who is also a podiatrist if you need names. :)

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I may take you up on that - what do you think San? you have seen her - she is considerably less agile than your DD (and most others her age in my opinion) - or maybe we just happen to only know others who are just more physically adept.

I would get it checked out too, I'd recommend OT, physio and a podiatrist.
My DS1 started peddling at around 4-5 years where as DS2 could do it earlier. DS2 has problems with his legs/feet, the tendons and muscles in his thigh are shorter than usual causing pigeon toes. He suffers from cramps which are worse during colder weather. He can run, jump, etc all fine he's just a bit un-coordinated at times lol.