Do you want to travel by bicycle? Do you want to teach others? Many adults have never had the opportunity to learn to ride a bicycle and many young children are eager to learn. There's no reason to be ashamed. On the other hand, you can be excited to start learning to ride one of the healthiest and most enjoyable modes of transportation. Cycling requires preparation, technique, and the occasional fall, but anyone can learn to ride it.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Drive Safely
Step 1. Find a suitable location
When studying, you need to find a comfortable place away from traffic. A good place to start is a flat, smooth surface such as a driveway or sidewalk. If you don't have a lot of space at home, practice in a parking lot or park.
- Starting on grass or fine gravel will help as it won't hurt too much if you fall. However, this surface makes it difficult to balance and pedal.
- If you plan to practice balance and hill pedaling, look for a location with a low incline.
- Check local regulations to see if you are allowed to cycle on certain sidewalks or lanes.
Step 2. Put on a cycling outfit
Knee and elbow pads can protect joints and skin from injury so they are highly recommended for everyone who rides a bicycle. Long sleeves and long pants also protect against falls and can be combined with cushioning.
- Avoid baggy pants and long skirts as they can get caught in the teeth and tires.
- Avoid open shoes. This makes the feet touch the bike and the ground.
Step 3. Put on a helmet
Helmets are recommended for both beginners and experienced cyclists. You never know when an accident will happen. Broken bones can usually be repaired, but the head trauma that occurs in many bicycle accidents can have a lasting impact. In addition, some areas also require cyclists to wear helmets.
- Helmets are measured to match the size of the head. A good helmet fits perfectly and sits an inch (two and a half centimeters) above the eyebrows. In addition, there is also a strap that ensures the helmet is securely attached even when the mouth is moved.
- Commuter helmets are one of the most common types. They are round, made of foam and plastic, and can be found in online stores or retail stores that sell bicycles.
- Road helmets are longer and usually have vents. These helmets are also made of foam and plastic, but are popular on the road or race. Look for it online or at a retail store.
- Youth helmets (ages 10–15), children (ages 5–10), and toddlers (under 5 years) are smaller commuter or road helmets. Toddler helmets have more foam.
- Mountain bike helmets and professional sports helmets are equipped with face and neck protection for harsh road conditions.
Step 4. Try it during the day
Cycling can be done at night, but not recommended for beginners. You need a lot of time to learn to balance. This means that as you get used to it, the bike could get into traffic or other hazards that you can hardly see. At night, it's also harder for car drivers to see you.
If you must go out at night, wear light-colored clothing, reflective stickers, and use a headlight
Part 2 of 3: Riding a Bike
Step 1. Start on a flat surface
A flat surface such as a driveway, sidewalk, quiet path, or path in a park is a stable surface. There is no incline so that you don't fall from a height. You'll also find it easier to balance and stop the bike.
Short grass paths and fine gravel can also be used. You won't hurt too much if you fall, but this surface requires you to pedal harder to move the bike
Step 2. Adjust the saddle position
Lower the saddle just enough so that both feet can reach the ground while sitting. A low saddle position allows you to stop on your feet before falling. Adults don't need to use extra wheels, but small children can use them or special balanced bikes.
The pedals can be removed to keep them from getting in the way, but that's not necessary
Step 3. Test the brakes
Know how bicycle brakes work. Guide the bike as you walk. Press the brake button to become familiar with its location, its feel, and how the bike reacts to it. Once you learn that, you'll be more comfortable being able to stop suddenly if you need to.
- If the brakes are on the handlebars, try one at a time to see which one controls the front wheel and which controls the rear wheel. These controls can be changed by a mechanic.
- Notice how pressing the rear brake can cause the rear wheel to slip. Pressing the front brake makes the bike lean forward.
- If the brake is not on the handlebars, it means it is on the rear pedal. To brake, press the pedal closest to the rear end of the bike when you pedal backwards.
- If your bike's wheels are patent and unmodified, you don't have brakes. Instead of braking, you should slow down your pedaling speed or derail the bike by leaning forward and holding both pedals horizontally with your feet.
Step 4. Place one foot on the ground
You can choose any foot, but the dominant foot will feel more natural. Right-handed people can stand on the left side of the bike. Lower your right leg and place it on the ground next to the bike. Hold the bicycle standing on both feet.
- Feel the weight of the bike between your legs and try to maintain balance as you lower your body. By placing your feet on the ground, the bike won't fall over as you get used to it.
- Place your weight in the center of the bike, balanced between the left and right sides. Sit up straight, don't bend over.
Step 5. Start sliding
Here you have not pedaled, but are advancing on your feet. Raise your foot to the pedal. When moving, keep the bicycle balanced for as long as possible. As soon as you feel the bike starting to tilt, straighten it again by placing one foot on the ground, then push again.
Step 6. Straighten your eyes forward
When it sees an obstacle, the bike will point towards it. Concentrate on seeing where you are going. You need practice to avoid distractions from roadblocks and other things.
- Before gaining full control, follow the direction the bike is going. When starting, the bike tends to move sideways or turn. Don't stop, but let it go and try to maintain a balance.
- If you're helping a child or a friend, you can hold their lower back to keep them upright while practicing.
Step 7. Start pedaling
Start with one foot on the floor. The other foot should be flat on the pedal with the toes facing forward. Get your feet up on the pedals, and pedal! Keep going as long as you can maintain balance.
Fast strokes will make your balance easier, but too fast will make you lose control
Step 8. Get off the bike
Don't stop with your feet. It would be better if you practice stopping using the brakes. Stop pedaling, stack your weight on the lowest pedal, and press both brakes, if there are brakes. After the bike stops, lift your body slightly and lower to the ground.
Lowering your foot too quickly when applying the brakes will stop the bike suddenly. The momentum won't stop and you'll hit the handlebars
Part 3 of 3: Learn to Ride a Bike on Slopes
Step 1. Practice pedaling down a gentle slope
Guide the bike up the slope, up and down and let the bike slide naturally on the flat area below. Get off the bike and repeat as many times as necessary until you get used to balancing and controlling the bike.
- Put weight on your feet. Establish a sitting position, bend your elbows, and relax your body.
- When you're sure you can slide, try descending with your foot on the pedal.
Step 2. Press the brake while sliding down
Once you're comfortable with your foot on the pedal, try again, this time pressing the brake slowly as you descend. You'll learn to slow down your bike without losing control or leaning over the handlebars.
Step 3. Try redirecting
Once you can glide, pedal, and brake in a straight line, try descending again. Move the handlebars until you change the direction of the bike without losing control. Feel how the slope changes the way the bike works and adjust your balance.
Step 4. Pedal the bike down the slope
Use the techniques you've learned while pedaling and directing the handlebars without stopping at the bottom of the hill. Continue transitioning to a flat surface while practicing on sharp turns, then press the brake to stop.
Step 5. Pedal up the slope
From a flat surface at the bottom of the hill, start pedaling to the bag. Pedaling up requires additional effort. Lean forward or even stand up for extra strength. Paddle up and down the slope a few times until you feel comfortable.
Once you feel confident, pedal to the middle of the slope, stop, and start pedaling up again
Tips
- Once you've mastered it, you can raise the saddle until only your fingertips are touching the ground.
- Always use protective equipment, including helmets and pads.
- Bikes with gears are more difficult for beginners. If you must use it, up gear when you transition to a steeper slope.
- Do not assume the intentions of other road users. Assume that you should always be aware of other cars and cyclists.
- Remember to focus when cycling. When looking to the side, the bike tends to drag in that direction.
- Have someone supervise, such as a parent or other adult. They can help you learn, no matter your age.
- Learning with other people will be more fun. For children or people who are afraid of falling, watching others learn and having fun will encourage them to learn too.
- If you can't get a helmet and padding, just practice on the grass and stay out of the way.
Warning
- Bicycle accidents are common and dangerous. Wear a helmet to avoid head injury. Wear pads to avoid scuffs and scratches.
- After learning to ride a bicycle, remember to learn about road safety, such as the dangers of speeding, facing cars, and obeying road signs.
- Know the laws that apply in your area. Some locations require cyclists to wear helmets, and there are also areas that do not allow cycling on the sidewalks.
