Can adults learn to ride bicycles?

S

Suzanna I

New member
I never had a bike as a kid and I am now 31 and am wondering whether there is any way that I can learn to ride a bike now - I would like to be able to cycle to work as opposed to buy a car because it is cheaper and also will help me to get some daily exercise. I feel stupid asking this but I know for children, they can have stabilisers on their bikes while they learn - Is there an adult equivalent?
What do you recommend?
 
Of course you can. It's just a matter of balance.

Might want to wear some knee pads so you won't be afraid to fall. But basically, the secret is to go fast enough that the forward motion keeps you from falling sideways. Little kids and beginners fail because they are afraid to go fast, so they go too slow and then of course the bike falls over sideways.

Get on the bike, and roll yourself back until the pedal under your right foot is high and a little forward. Then just push forward, step down hard on that pedal, and that will get the bike going forward in a nice thrust. Then keep pedaling. The balance comes naturally after a few tries.

Those training wheels aren't necessary, they are mostly for the parents' benefits. Neither I nor any of my friends ever had training wheels learning to ride. You fall a couple of times and then you get the balance.
 
I didn't learn until I was 7 (okay not that old but it felt painfully old to me back then). I took up riding on those little street scooters with the tiny wheels, at first I could only stand on it for a second before putting my foot on the ground, but soon I could balance on it for extended periods.

Then on my 7th birthday I got a bike and once I managed to get on it (the seat was too high) I just rode off with no difficulties at all.

I'm not saying a scooter is the best way to learn, but it worked for me, and you don't have to worry about falling when learning your balance on them and they translate really well to balance on a bike. Your foots always an inch or two from the ground, so it's pretty safe.

Don't bother with training wheels, they'll only teach you to ride a bike...with training wheels.
 
Yep! Go get yourself a nice cheap bike to learn on; try a single speed (freewheel) bike, just to get the feel for it. Coaster brakes or lever brakes will work well; either one should be fine. The hardest part about cycling is getting your momentum going, so get someone to help you stay balanced (i.e. hold the seat) and run with you while you get started, until you feel comfortable doing it on your own. It may take a little while, but a good day of practice should yield some results, and hopefully within a week or so of steady practice, you can learn to bike on your own!
 
My best friend learnt when she was 50 by using 1-to-1 tuition from York City Council - they're very good with cycling. Not sure if other cycle-friendly cities do similar courses, but my friend said it was brilliant and was cycling competently very quickly.

Good luck.
 
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