How to Ride a Bicycle

Bicycle Riding Instructions

An important factor in learning how to ride a bicycle, is getting the proper sized bicycle. Select a bicycle whose frame is low enough that you clear the top tube by at least four inches. For the begining rider it is suggested that the seat be adjusted to height that allows the new rider to have both feet almost completely flat on the ground. This setup will make it easier to start and stop. The riding area ideally should be a rectangular space, long enough to allow you to travel at least fifty feet and wide enough to let you wobble left and right as you learn to keep the bicycle steady.

One...

While seated and with both feet on the ground, hold the handlebars and pull on the brake levers. The lever on the right side controls the rear brake and the lever on the left side controls the front brake. On bicycles with hand brakes, you will use the right lever to both slow down and stop. As you progress in your bicycle riding you will then use the front lever to help you stop. For now the rear brake is enough to stop the bicycle.

Two...

Look ahead of you, beyond the front wheel, select an object out in front of you. Use the object as a destination point, but make sure it is far enough away. Your riding area should also be wide enough to allow you to swerve left and right.

Three...

Place your stronger foot on the ground, use your free foot or your hand to rotate the pedals so that one is forward and the other is back. Place your free foot on top of the forward pedal. At this point you may hold onto the brakes to keep the bike from moving.

Four...

Before attempting to push-off, there are a few things to consider:

• You are just learning, you don't have to travel in a completely straight line.
• It is not just about balance, it is also about strength, you have to push off with leg on the ground hard enough to get momentum, to then place your other foot on the pedal and begin pedalling.
• The bicycle will tend to swerve in the direction of the first pedal stroke. Do not resist this by leaning the oppposite way, but counter it by pushing down on the opposite pedal.

Tip: Test your leg strength by pushing off and seeing if you can make the bicycle travel further and further with each push, do this 10 times. Alternate legs to compare leg strength.

Another Tip: Do not lean from side to side, your head ,shoulders, mid-back and lower back should be completely straight. This is all legs for now.

Five...

Look ahead, push off, lift your leg, place your foot on the pedal and pedal, pedal, pedal. Then stop. Remember that the right hand brake lever is for the rear brake, that brake is enough to stop you at this stage of learning. Use the brake to slow down and stop. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP WITH YOUR FEET. In order to stop the bicycle properly, you should use hand brakes first and just as the bicycle comes to a stop, place a foot on the ground. Looking ahead, pushing off, lifting your leg and placing your foot on the pedal, should all be done in one fluid movement.

If the bicycle swerves, let it swerve. Do not lean your body, instead push harder with the foot opposite from the direction the bicycle is swerving. Pedal as much as you can, even count your pedal strokes to assist in your balancing the bicycles. Set a goal of six pedal strokes to begin with. Pedal pedal, pedal and then stop. Use the brakes anytime you feel you are out of control.

Tip: Do multiple starts and stops and see if you can travel further with each attempt.

Next... BR 102, putting it all together and turning.