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    How to ride a bike?

    Robert Ferri
    Robert Ferri
    May 23, 2024 11 min
    How to ride a bike?

    “It is as easy as riding a bike!” This phrase is often used and doesn’t make sense in many ways because learning to ride a bike is far from easy and quite challenging for many. 

    In this article, we will explain how to ride a bike by discussing each stage in detail. We will give you the tools and confidence to get on the bike and start conquering those routes and trails!

    The importance of riding a bike

    how to ride a bike
    Now is the best time to learn how to ride a bike

    There’s never been a better time to learn how to ride a bike. With over one billion bikes in the world and bikes becoming a more popular form of transport daily, it's vital to learn how to ride a bike.

    You can use a bike in so many ways. They are great for getting to and from work, staying fit, tackling personal challenges, socializing, and even going bikepacking or bike touring. There’s nothing quite like riding a bike, and with so many different bikes to choose from, you can explore anywhere. 

    Statistics show that around 6% of American adults don’t know how to ride a bicycle because they have never had the confidence or opportunity to learn. It’s incredible how many people don’t know and don’t feel the need to learn when they could be missing out.

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    Can you forget how to ride a bike?

    It’s not rare that your cycling technique can get a little rusty over time. You never really forget; sometimes, it just takes a bit of practice to get back to feeling normal and natural.

    Choosing the right bike and equipment

    The first things you will need to ride a bike are the bike itself and some equipment. When it comes to finding the correct bike, here’s what we recommend to ensure you have the correct bike for learning to ride a bike.

    • The correct bike size is for your height and often used and doesn’t make sense in many ways because learning to ride a bikewheel size.
    • The seat is adjusted to the correct position (Hip height to start).
    • The right type of bike for the terrain you plan on riding on.
    • Working entirely correctly and is in good condition.
    • It is not a bike you will worry about dropping and scratching too much.
    • For younger riders, consider stabilizers to start.
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    At buycycle you will find an amazing selection of gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes when learning how to ride.

    It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the bike and how it works. Understand the brakes and how the gears work to ensure that you will know how to stop when you start riding. We recommend some equipment as well when starting to ride a bike.

    • Helmet to protect your head in a fall.
    • Gloves to stop you from hurting your hands.
    • A tool kit with a multi-tool and all the goods to repair a puncture.
    • First aid kit in case of a fall.
    • Proper clothing for winter and summer.
    how to ride a bike
    With the right bike equipment you can ensure a smooth and memorable ride

    Now, you are ready to start learning how to ride a bike. Another great help will be having someone along with you and finding a safe place to learn to ride without any cars around, such as a park. The best option is to start by riding in a group as it is; it was always easier and safer.

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    How to ride a bike

    Now, for the exciting part: we will tell you how to ride a bicycle next. Although the process might seem long, there is much more than just pedaling involved in learning to ride a bike. This is the same route I recommend for teaching a child to ride a bike or how to ride a bike without training wheels.

    How long does it take to teach someone to ride a bike?

    Some people take to it incredibly quickly and can start riding within a few hours; others might take a few days. Riding confidently will take a lot of practice, but it will also be fun.

    Stage one: Learn hand signals

    Learning the hand signals is essential before getting on the bike. These signals tell other road users precisely what you will do while out riding. They are a must, but they will take some practice after you have learned to ride. 

    Hand signal

    Description 

    Left turn

    Stick your hand out to the left.

    Right turn

    Stick your hand out to the right.

    Stopping or slowing down

    Point to the floor with an open palm.

    There are many other cycling hand signals designed for riding in groups, which we recommend learning, but at the start, these will be enough to keep you safe. 

    Stage two: Mounting and balancing 

    The next step in learning to ride a bike is to work on mounting and balancing the bike. Here, you will want to practice getting on and off the bike. You might have a step-through or need to practice throwing your leg over. 

    Once on the bike, you need to learn how to balance. There’s a big misconception that when sitting on the seat, you should be able to have your feet flat on the floor, but this isn’t the case. You generally, on most bikes, will only be able to touch your toes or just be able to lean on one side. It would help if you practiced getting comfortable here. 

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    Want to find out more about where to buy a bike? Check out our article about Where to buy a bike: what are the options?.
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    Stage three: Pushing off and pedaling

    Next, we come to pushing off. You will want to practice pushing yourself off from the spot and moving around a meter forward. You will need to have the primary foot on the pedal, which should be in the 12 - 3 o'clock position, and the secondary foot pushing off the floor. 

    When you push off with the secondary foot, push on the pedal of the primary foot, and it will drive you forward, giving you momentum and extra balance. Using this momentum, you need to lift the secondary foot onto the other and drive into that.

    Then, using both feet to power into the pedals will help you speed up, increasing your speed, which will give you extra balance and help keep you upright without needing to put your feet on the floor. 

    Stage four: Steering and braking

    learn how to ride a bike
    Starting with a lower speed you can learn how to steer and brake while cycling

    Once you have the pedaling under control, you will learn how to control the bike. Let’s get started with steering. If you want to turn left, turn the bars to the left and right to turn to the right. This is how you will work at typically slower speeds. 

    At high speeds, you might find yourself having to counter-steer. This is where you slightly turn in the opposite direction to where you want to go, then lean into the corner. This will come naturally over time, but it’s good to understand the logic. 

    Regarding braking, you will have two brakes: one on the front and one on the rear. If you only use the front, you risk going over the bars on sharp braking; if you only use the rear, you risk the back skidding out. Use both and learn to know where to apply power and how much. 

    Regarding how to ride a road bike, you might need more practice as the gears and brakes are different on a road bike and can be harder to use as you have multiple positions. At buycycle, there are many different bikes to learn on, and some types you might never have heard of.

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    Stage five: Practice, practice, practice!

    The final stage of learning to ride a bike is practising. The best way to become a better cyclist is to ride regularly. The more you get used to the feeling and find the correct motion, the more it will start to feel natural.

    Step six: Progress your cycling further

    Finally, if you want to progress further and now feel like you have a fair amount of confidence, then here’s more you can learn, which will improve your experience on the bike and also help other road users. Here’s our checklist!

    Skills to learn

    Check

    Using hand signals while riding


    Start using gears to help you get up and down hills


    Standing while riding


    Learning basic bike repairs (Punctures, gear adjusting, tightening bolts)


    Riding with other cyclists


    Learning how to ride a bike and drink water


    Choosing good quiet routes using applications 


    Picking the right clothing to be safe and seen


    Once you have mastered these skills, you will want to continue practicing, and before you know it, the phrase “It’s as simple as riding a bike!” will start making sense. Learning to ride a bike takes a few miles, but those miles will bring you to the most beautiful cycling destinations.

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    Want to find out more about bike prices? Check out our article about How much does a bike cost?.

    A little extra help

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    There are multiple ways to get support when learning how to ride a bike

    If you do find yourself struggling and need some extra help, there are many different options available to continue learning to ride a bike. It’s not rare for people to need extra support; quite often, it is adults more than children.

    Many companies offer professional cycle training on how to teach someone to ride a bike. They not only go to schools but also offer day classes where you can learn with the support of professional instructors and special equipment.

    The best way to find these is to Google search “How to ride a bicycle” and then the area in which you live. You will find many training centers that will help you progress and learn with an instructor who specializes in teaching adults to ride a bike. - Alice Huot @ buycycle.
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    Want to find out more about beginners bikes? Check out our article about the best beginner mountain bike.

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    When is the best time to learn to ride a bike?

    Many places recommend children between 3 and 6 years old when learning to ride a bike, but many factors affect this, such as the child's ability and skill level when balancing.

    For adults, there’s no time like right now. Learning to ride a bike as soon as possible will get you out enjoying the wonders of cycling straight away, and for many, it becomes a regular hobby.

    Luckily, the buycycle website offers some fantastic bikes that will be perfect for learning how to cycle and worth checking out.

    Go to buycycle

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