How to build toddler backyard bike track?

[sidbose1987]

Hi Experts,

  I want to build a balance bike track for my sons second birthday, I am trying to find where to begin, below video was useful in idea and vision but I would want some guidance on step by step, so any experience? I could try to get wooden board (what strength is ideal not sure) cut it and make a roller palette etc. Just my wild imagination. I need to start somewhere so I am here.

https://youtu.be/oX44wwW0-gw?si=z98h0qsow6pOh9ff

[MitchellMc]

Hi @sidbose1987,

Building a toddler bike track sounds like a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that safety is always our number one priority. With any D.I.Y. project, particularly those involving children, there are inherent risks. It's important to ensure that all elements of the track are built securely, with smooth edges and no sharp corners. Additionally, keep the track free from debris, and consider using soft materials like soft fall mats where possible to prevent injury. Always supervise children while using the track, and ensure it is age-appropriate for their developmental stage.

Given the varying elements of the track—such as obstacles, curves, and materials—it’s a bit tricky to give very specific advice without a clear design in mind. It might be best to start by sketching out a design for the track and each individual component or obstacle you want to include. This will give you a clearer vision and allow us to provide more precise and helpful guidance. You could share that design with the community, along with any questions you have about building each part of the track, and we can assist you from there.

To get started, it might be a good idea to make your course modular. Begin with one entertaining obstacle or element, and as your skills grow or your child’s abilities improve, you can add more components to the track. This way, you can expand the track in phases rather than trying to build everything at once.

Regarding your specific question about the materials, wooden boards can be a great option for creating various elements of the track, like ramps or rollers. For strength, you'd want something sturdy but not too heavy—typically, pine or treated timber is a good option. If you plan to create a roller or other features, make sure the wood is thick enough to withstand toddler use but light enough for easy adjustment. Something like 17mm plywood, should be sufficient, but will need to be painted to resist the weather.

This sounds like an awesome project, and I’d be excited to help you along the way. Let me know what the first element is you'd like to create, and we can get you started.

Mitchell

[sidbose1987]

 

I can’t thank enough @MitchellMc for the post. And I completely agree the utmost priority would be safety. Now my son for 22 months old is slightly ahead of his age in motor skills (isn’t that what every parent thinks 😅) so providing him with a platform to improve and enjoy would be good. Now my backyard has decent space (9.6m x 9.6m) but currently it has rough grass so that’s another think I need to think on as it would cause friction for the ride, but working on it modular is a great place to start. I have attached a picture of my backyard, now the only thing I can think of to start with is the ramp from alfresco to backyard, I can’t be too steep as a safety measure. Also I will try to create an image of my design in my mind (any tool in mind I can use? Simple is to use pen and paper)

thanks

sid

[MitchellMc]

Pen and paper will take you a long way @sidbose1987.

Here are some renderings I've put together for you. If you can provide details on the height and length of the ramp I can help you design a frame for it.

Mitchell

[sidbose1987]

Thanks again @MitchellMc what did you use for the design? I can see you have put in good options but to begin with a ramp starting from alfresco which is 40 cm high from actual backyard should be good, also decent angle as the speed would be somewhat controlled, then I would start on with rollers and other hurdles. Also what should I do to reduce friction in backyard as the grass is rough, mowing it to as small as possible?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @sidbose1987,

It's a program called Tinkercad, but there are other design programs out there like Sketch-up.

Here's a design for the ramp. I suggest bolting a ledger board to the side of the alfresco for a solid mounting point. The ramp should be around 2000mm long for a decent angle. I recommend using 90 x 45mm H3-treated Pine for the frame and a 19mm plywood panel for the surface. 

Mowing the grass short would be a good start. 

Mitchell

[sidbose1987]

Thanks @MitchellMc could you also help me with few more things

1. I can angles in frames, one at alfresco edge and one at the other end. How much would it be? 

2. I think the base set of frames doesn’t get slot on which the middle 2 frames is placed on, if not it’s need to be cut

3. What kind of wood cutter would I need?

4. The frames need to be bolted or screwed?

Apologies for the naive questions, it would be my first time on this, so might need some hand holding. Also I would do some measurements and mark it on the images you have provided.

Thanks

Sid

[JacobZ]

Hi @sidbose1987,

I'll attempt to answer your questions as best as I can.

1. The angles would be relative to the length of the ramp and the levels of your area. Without dimensions and a perfectly level landing for the joists to be attached to, it would be impossible to tell you an exact angle.

2. I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you are referring to here. Could you circle on @MitchellMc's render what you are referring to? I will be able to provide an answer once you have clarified.

3. A circular saw is a good tool that is capable of making all of the cuts you'll require for this. A mitre saw would also be handy for your square cuts, but it can't make the long-angled cuts on the main bearers.

4. A few different fixings will be required. The frame should be screwed together with batten screws, with galvanised bolts to attach the frame to the vertical support posts and 100mm Galvanised DynaBolts to attach the ledger board to the concrete.

At the absolute minimum, you'll need a tape measure, spirit level, circular saw, drill and rotary hammer drill alongside some drill bits, masonry bits and marking tools.

It's not a simple project for a beginner, but I'm excited to help out where I can having built a few ramps like this in my time.

Let me know if you have any further questions and if you can clarify question 2 I am happy to offer further advice.

Jacob