Jealous of all the cool kids, we mean adults, who ride bikes all over town? The adventurous adults who go on bike trips to other countries or the National Parks? Worried because you either never learned how to ride a bike or just haven’t been on a bike for years? We’re here to help. Here are six easy steps to learn how to ride a bike as an adult.
All you need is a bike, a helmet, and a safe wide-open space, like an empty parking lot or a park, to get started. Then, follow the steps below.
Learn How to Ride a Bike as an Adult
1. Get a Bike That Fits
You don’t have to buy a bike, but you do need to make sure you are riding a bike that is properly sized. If it’s not, you won’t be able to put your feet down when you need to, and you may feel pain in your upper body because you are either stretching to reach the handlebars or hunched over because the bike is too small. If you don’t live near a bike shop where an expert can help, here are some tips:
- You should be able to stand over your bike without the top tube touching you.
- Make sure your feet can touch the ground when you straddle the bike.
- You should be able to reach the handlebars and brakes comfortably.
Need to buy a bike? There are differences between beginner bikes and those for experienced riders. Definitely shop in person, to make sure you feel comfortable.
2. Practice hopping on and off
Now it’s time to practice getting on and off your bike. Stand next to the side of the bike with one hand on the handlebars and one hand on the seat. Lean the bike toward you and step over the bar. Then, straighten the bike. You should be able to stand over the bike with both feet on the ground and, as mentioned above, some clearance between your body and the top bar.
3. Get comfortable with braking
Braking is a crucial skill, Marilyn Northcotte, an urban cycling consultant in Wellington, New Zealand tells Biycling. It will make you feel more secure while you ride and keep you safe in case you need to stop suddenly or want need to slow down over a distance. Before practicing while you ride, push your bike down the street while you walk next to it. Keep both hands on both brake and apply pressure evenly to practice braking quickly, as well as gradually.
4. Learn to glide
Now you’re ready to start moving. Practice the basic “balance method,” which involves scooting with your feet while on the bike, says Northcotte.
“Scooting along helps you to learn the feeling of balancing on two wheels,” Northcotte explains. “The aim is to push off and get both feet off the ground for as long as you can. If you need to put one foot down to correct the balance, then put both down and start again. Once you can glide along without touching your feet down to correct yourself, then you’re ready to begin pedaling.” Practice your glide until you can keep your feet up for three seconds.
5. Maintain your balance and line of vision
“Anything that involves balance is helpful and can be used as a point of reference,” Northcotte says. “For example, if you’ve ridden a scooter before with both feet on the platform, you should be able to balance on two wheels.”
Look toward where you want to go, instead of focusing on obstacles to avoid. Keep your eyes up and always look ahead instead of down. This will help you maintain balance and follow your line of vision.
6. Start pedal practice
Once you can maintain balance while gliding, have mastered braking and keeping your vision steady, you’re ready to pedal. Start with one foot on the ground and the opposite foot on a pedal in the two o’clock position to give you some momentum when you push off.
Then push down on the pedal and add your other foot as you move forward. You’ll notice the faster you pedal, the easier it is to maintain your balance. Practice pedaling circles around the park or parking lot.
Feel confident? Get off the bike and move your seat up so that your feet reach the pedals with a slight bend. Use cones or other obstacles to practice maneuvering. And just like that, you’re riding a bike!
