A method for teaching a learner how to ride a bicycle by providing a bicycle with an empty pedal crank housing, where the bicycle permits the learner's feet to touch the ground when the learner sits on the bicycle. The learner first moves the bicycle forward by walking, then by pushing the bicycle forward with the feet and coasting, then by coasting and turning the bicycle, and, after installing a pedal crank drive assembly and drive chain, pushing the bicycle forward with the feet and then pedaling the pedal crank drive assembly to drive the bicycle forward. The method can be implemented by providing a kit having a bicycle with an empty pedal crank housing, caps for the empty pedal crank housing, a pedal crank drive assembly, a drive chain, instructions for assembly, and instructions for teaching the method of the present invention.