If you’ve never learnt to ride a bike, you might feel hesitant, especially if you’re an adult; learning new skills can be easier when you’re a child, as you’ll probably feel less nervous and scared. However, there is no time like the present to learn to ride a bike, no matter how old you are. This article has some tips that can help you learn how to ride a bike as an adult.
Get the right bike
There are lots of different bikes on the market, and choosing the right one will help you to learn to ride more quickly without issues. Riding a bike that’s too small or too large can be more challenging and lead to aches and pains. A professional bike shop will be able to help you choose the right bike for your height. You should be able to reach the pedals, handlebars and brakes easily. It can also be useful as a beginner if you are able to touch the floor without any issues; this can help you build your confidence.
Get protective gear
A helmet is a must when learning to ride a bike; this will provide you with head protection if you fall off your bike and hit the ground. All cyclists should have a helmet, no matter how experienced they are, but it is especially important that those learning to ride a bike wear the appropriate head protection. You can also wear elbow pads and knee pads to protect these areas if you feel particularly vulnerable to falling off the bike.
Start in a safe environment
It's not wise to try and learn to ride a bike near a busy road or a busy street; you need a quiet location where you won’t get distracted and are unlikely to encounter any obstacles. In addition to the area being quiet and free of obstacles, it also helps if the ground is even and smooth. A closed car park or children's play area can be a good place to learn to ride a bike as an adult; just make sure you are allowed to use the area for this purpose.
Start when you’re alert and well
You’re going to need to concentrate when learning to ride a bike; therefore, it's important to choose a time when you’re alert and well. Learning when you’re tired or unwell won’t be as effective, and you’re more likely to end up falling off the bike. As well as being alert and well made sure you eat before to fuel your body and brain, cycling fuelling is important, especially if you plan on doing long-distance rides in the future.
Keep your training session short
Learning to ride a bike may take several attempts, don’t expect to become an expert after your first session. Pushing yourself too hard and for too long is more likely to result in injury. To start off with, keep your training sessions short and the time you spend on the bike limited. Practice getting on and off the bike, riding slowly, turning corners and braking; these are all the essential skills you will need to go on longer bike rides. Don’t rush the process; only progress to riding on the road and in public spaces when you feel comfortable and confident with your skills.
Consider a professional course
If you’re not sure about learning to ride a bike yourself or trusting your friends and family to help, you could enrol in a course tailored to teaching adults to ride bikes. The course will help you through the process and give you all the skills and information you need to ride your bike safely on the road and in different conditions. Search on Google for adult bike riding lessons in your area.
Learning to ride a bike as an adult can be a scary thought; however, following the tips in this article can be a much easier process. Remember to get a bike that fits you well, get some protective gear, start in a safe environment, begin when you’re alert and well, keep your training sessions short and consider a professional course if you want more in-depth training and knowledge.