You know, I can't dig up the URL atm, but I actually read somewhere that that's how this one bicycle academy in Japan teaches people of all ages to ride. They have special bikes (just frame, saddle, handlebars, and two wheels) that a person does what you just described, and they go from there, slowly adding bits and bobs until they're riding. Apparently, it's a lot quicker than the traditional way of having someone behind you at all times.