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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

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Comments

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

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/44395#Comment_44395

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

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/84316#Comment_84316

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

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/107177#Comment_107177

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

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/120816#Comment_120816

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

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129264#Comment_129264

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

sidbose1987

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134628#Comment_134628

Hi @JacobZ and @MitchellMc , apologies for late response, I have been away overseas, getting back to this project, I bought below stuffs to continue.

1. Ozito 185mm 1300W Corded Circular Saw

2. Craftright 600mm Spirit Level

I know it’s not a big start but I was thinking of trying sawing on a wooden log I have which I used for raised garden at my backyard.

Next would be to shop the ply board, frame log, bolts and screws.

Regarding the second point I have marked the first frame log (one attached to the wall) on top which the second frame logs will be placed, now on the first frame these are groves on which the second frame is placed that’s a cut I need to make right? Apologies if it’s still confusing, may be I will start and learn on the way.

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138247#Comment_138247

Just outta curiosity.

When my kids were little the local PCYC had an outdoor bike track with scale roads, signs, street lights, roundabouts, railway crossings - etc.

It was always a great day out and instructive regards road rules.

Do PCYCs around Australia still do this - or a bygone era?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138247#Comment_138247

Hi @sidbose1987,

That's called a birdsmouth joint. It just allows a better fitment than simply placing the timber on top of the support, as I've shown below.

Mitchell

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138247#Comment_138247

@Noyade,

I haven't seen that myself, but plenty of local councils are creating these tracks at parks; my kids love them. They even have little petrol stations on the routes where you can stop to fill up your bike tires with air.

Mitchell

sidbose1987

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140538#Comment_140538

Thanks @MitchellMc I did some videos on it, so the birdsmouth cut needs to be made on the top frame logs? What about the 3 other bottom frame logs? Are they a single piece or smaller piece in between the top frame logs? Also the top ply board at the beginning of descent has an angle cut so it is at the level of floor, would Bunnings help or how do I achieve that?

I will also look at any videos or so to see how a frame is made, sorry I am being a complete noob.

Thanks

Sid

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142213#Comment_142213

Hi @sidbose1987,

Yes, the birds mouth cuts need to be made on the joists that run along the top of the frame.

The three bearers at the base of the frame are a single piece with notches cut into them.

Have a look at the dado joint in How to build advanced woodworking joints. This is essentially what you are doing.

The plywood doesn't need to be cut if your frame meets the concrete the thickness of the ply below the top edge. You'll see in Mitchell's render, the frame has a slight gap at the top where it meets the concrete.

If you are using for example 12mm Plywood, the frame would meet the concrete 12mm below the top edge.

Unfortunately, the complex cuts required for this project are not something Bunnings can assist with, but the Workshop team and our helpful members can offer guidance to help you along the way.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

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