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If you didn't grow up riding a bike through your neighborhood streets, you might find cycling a bit intimidating at first. However, it's just as easy for an adult to learn to ride as it is for a child. The key is to start in a safe, controlled environment. Find a quiet place to practice, such as an empty parking lot or a park with no traffic. Simple exercises like balancing and getting on and off your bike can even be done in your own yard. Follow these steps, and you'll be on your way to cycling success in no time.
**Size it up**
Getting the right bike is essential to your success in learning to ride. Don’t just pick up a bike from a yard sale that looks like it could fit you—unlike kids, you won’t be growing. Investing in a bike that fits you properly is money well-spent.
Your height is a good indicator of what size bike you need. Unlike children’s bikes, which are often measured by wheel size, adult bikes are measured by standover height—the distance from the ground to the top of the top tube. Check out the chart below to find the right frame size for your height.
| Height | Frame Size (Standover) |
|-----------------|------------------------|
| 4'11" to 5'3" | 13–15 inches |
| 5'3" to 5'7" | 15–17 inches |
| 5'7" to 5'11" | 17–19 inches |
| 6'0" to 6'2" | 19–21 inches |
| 6'2" to 6'4" | 21–23 inches |
| 6'4" or taller | 23 inches or more |
Of course, everyone is built differently, so these are general guidelines. Some people have longer legs, others have longer torsos. These measurements are crucial for safety and comfort. To measure your inseam:
1. Stand against a wall with shoes on.
2. Straddle a hardcover book, spine up, as if sitting on a saddle.
3. Mark where the spine meets the wall with a pencil.
4. Measure from the mark to the floor—this is your inseam.
5. Repeat a few times for accuracy.
Avoid using your pants inseam, as it can be inaccurate.
**Put the brakes on**
Learning to brake properly is one of the most important skills to prevent falling. Start before you even get on your bike. Walk the bike and experiment with the brakes until it becomes second nature. Know which lever controls the front and rear brakes. Understanding how your brakes work will save you precious seconds during your first rides.
If your bike has a coaster brake, test it by lifting the rear wheel, pedaling forward, and then pedaling backward to engage the brake. It may feel counterintuitive at first, but it quickly becomes natural.
**Mount up**
Practice getting on and off your bike while applying the brakes so it doesn’t roll. Sit on your bike with one foot on the ground and the other on the saddle. If both feet can touch the ground while seated, your saddle is too low. While it may feel safer, this position reinforces bad habits and can lead to crashes in emergencies.
**Practice your balancing act**
Learning to pedal, steer, and brake at the same time can be challenging. To make it easier, convert your bike into a balance bike by removing the pedals. Scoot along with your feet to get used to balancing on two wheels. This helps you focus on steering and braking before adding pedaling. Although not mandatory, it prevents ankle injuries and ensures you’re ready before moving on.
**Before your ride**
Once you feel comfortable scooting, push off and glide. Try to go as far as you can before needing to put a foot down. Set up cones or soft objects to navigate through, improving your steering skills. Once you’ve mastered gliding, steering, and braking, you’re ready to put your pedals back on.
**Right foot, left foot, breathe**
Start with one foot on the ground and the other on a pedal at the two o'clock position for leverage. Push off with the grounded foot and press down firmly on the pedal. Lift your other foot and alternate pressing each pedal as it reaches the two o'clock position. Your balance and gliding skills will pay off here. Pedal faster rather than slower to maintain stability.
**Learn the rules of the road**
Keep practicing on park paths until you feel confident. Before riding in traffic, familiarize yourself with local bike laws, hand signals, and safety tips. Knowing where to ride, how to merge with traffic, and how to avoid being "doored" is essential for safe and enjoyable cycling.
**Maintain your bike**
Riding a bike isn’t just about balance and pedaling—it also requires maintenance. Learn basic skills like inflating tires, checking brakes, and cleaning parts after each ride. Proper care keeps you safe and your bike in great condition.
**Protect yourself**
Always wear a helmet from the start to protect your head. Choose appropriate cycling gear for the weather. If you ride in foggy or rainy conditions, invest in extra lights and reflectors to stay visible. Finally, consider bicycle insurance to protect yourself financially in case of damage, theft, or liability.
Velosurance offers comprehensive coverage for your bike, including protection against loss, damage, and liability. You can even customize your policy based on your riding lifestyle.
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