How to Ride a Bike

Riding a bike is not only good exercise but it is an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors. You can even save on gas and upkeep on your car, if you use the bike to run errands or deliver you to your workplace. If you don't already know how, let this page inspire and teach you how to ride a bike.

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Tips on how to teach a child to ride a bike

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Riding a bike is not only good exercise but it is an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors. You can even save on gas and upkeep on your car, if you use the bike to run errands or deliver you to your workplace. If you don't already know how, let this page inspire and teach you how to ride a bike.
Introduction
- Learning to ride a bike is an exciting childhood rite of passage for many, but there are a number of adults, for whatever reason, who did not get to experience the freedom of riding a bike as a child. If this form of recreation and self-transportation appeals to you, don't delay, as the skill of balancing and riding a bike can be easily learned.
Step 1: Gear Up
- Before you learn to ride, you will need to first obtain a bike. If you borrow one, lower the bike seat for greater stability. If purchasing a bike, then let the salesperson know that you are just learning so that he or she can adjust the seat for you. Because you will not be using the pedals in the early stages of learning, you may choose to remove them so that they do not get in your way.
- To protect yourself in case of a fall, wear sturdy shoes with enclosed toes, clothing that covers your arms and legs, a helmet and bike gloves. If you have elbow and knee pads, they will make a nice safety addition.
Step 2: Learn By Yourself
- Finding a safe place to practice is an important first step, so look for an expansive level area of concrete or blacktop, with minimal traffic and objects. A church parking lot during the weekdays or an elementary school lot on the weekends, may fit the bill.
1. Step 1: Sit comfortably on the seat of your bike. Begin by placing your feet forward on the ground. Pull them back to propel the bike forward. Continue to move in this manner until you feel comfortable with your balance.
2. While moving forward, lift your feet up and steer the bike using the handle bar. If you become unsteady, simply slow the bike by dragging your feet and then stop by planting them on the ground.
3. Practice using a hand brake if your bike has one.
4. Once you have have mastered the feel of the bike, replace the pedals and once again, begin by pushing the bike forward with your feet.
5. When the bike is going at a decent speed, lift one foot and apply it to a pedal and then repeat that process with the other foot.
6. Practice braking with your feet by applying a slight backward pressure on the pedal of your dominate foot. Then practice slowing with a hand brake. Most hand brakes will slow the bike by applying a steady gentle pressure to the hinged portion of the handlebar.
7. Practice turns as you increase your speed, then stop pedaling and turn the handlebar in the direction that you desire to turn. You can set up an obstacle course with orange cones and then weave in and out of the cones until you are satisfied that you have the ability to stay balanced.
Step 3: Learn With a Friend
- After learning how to use the hand and/or foot brakes, sit on the bike with your feet on the ground and have your friend grasp under the seat behind you, to steady the bike. Apply your feet to the pedals and propel the bike forward. Have your helper continue to hold and steady you until you feel you are ready to have them let go. Once you are on your way alone, practice steering the wheel and applying the brakes.
Step 4: Tips
1. Once you are comfortable riding your bike, remember to raise the seat to the correct height. The seat height is correct when both of your feet are flat on the ground when you are seated and your legs are fully extended.
2. Unless you need to gain speed, don't pedal when you make a turn.
3. Beware of loose gravel or large stones, as they may cause you to fall if you ride or stop suddenly while you are on them.
4. Some cities and states require helmets to be worn.
5. The slower you ride, the harder it is to keep your balance.
6. If you are riding in the street, follow traffic laws and signal when turning or changing lanes.
7. Ride in the same direction as the traffic.
Conclusion
- Bike riding can be a dangerous sport or mode of transportation, but if you practice before riding on roads and wear protective gear, it is a wonderful way to propel yourself around town, get a bit of exercise and enjoy the fresh air.