How To Ride A Bike

Whether you are an adult who needs to learn how to ride a bike or you have a child who you want to teach, this guide can help. The key to learning how to ride a bike is patience. Do not expect your child or you to be able to ride a bike right away; instead assume that it will take a long time, but that it will be worth it in the end.

What you will need to teach or to learn how to ride a bike:

• A bike adjusted to the rider's size
• A helmet; possibly other protective gear
• Plenty of safe, open space

1. Before beginning to ride a bike, adjust the seat and handlebars so that the rider can comfortably sit. When the trainee sits down, his or her feet should be able to touch the ground with knees slightly bent. If the bike has gears, adjust them and make sure that they are set at about the middle level. Make sure that all of the bike's moving parts are functioning properly.
2. Have the rider sit on the bike to get a feel for it. If fear of riding is not a factor, the time spent on this step can be minimal. However, if the trainee is afraid this step can help to soothe nerves. If especially afraid, the prospective biker can try this step indoors.
3. Have the trainee practice balancing on the bike first in a safe area with plenty of space. Instead of jumping straight to pedaling, the trainee should ride a bike by pushing forward using his or her feet. The rider can use the brakes to stop, but should not pedal until he or she can easily balance on the bike.
4. Start pedaling somewhere with plenty of safe, open space. If you are teaching your child, first show her or him how the pedals function, and how to use them before starting to actually pedal. If you are teaching yourself how to ride a bike, try pedaling as slowly as possible while continuing to balance on the bike.
5. Once you or your child has mastered all of the above components, try adding in some (safe) obstacles. Practice going slow around corners and down hills. Try to ride a bike in increasingly tricky areas until you or your child can bike anywhere.