If you didn't grow up cruising through your neighborhood on a bike, starting to cycle might feel a little intimidating at first. But just like when you were a kid, learning as an adult is completely doable. Find a calm spot to practice, like an empty parking lot or a quiet park where you can focus without worrying about traffic. Some basics, like balancing and getting on and off your bike, can even be tried out in your own backyard. Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll be cycling confidently in no time.
First things first: choosing the right bike is key to your success. It’s not worth grabbing any old bike from a garage sale—unlike when you were younger, you won’t be outgrowing it anytime soon. Investing in a bike that perfectly matches your height is a smart move.
Unlike kids’ bikes, which are sized based on wheel diameter, adult bikes are measured by standover height, which is the distance from the ground to the top of the bike’s top tube. Here’s a helpful chart:
| Height Range | Frame Size (Standover Height) |
|----------------------|-------------------------------|
| 4’11†to 5’3†| 13 to 15 inches |
| 5’3†to 5’7†| 15 to 17 inches |
| 5’7†to 5’11†| 17 to 19 inches |
| 6’0†to 6’2†| 19 to 21 inches |
| 6’2†to 6’4†| 21 to 23 inches |
| 6’4†or taller | 23 inches or more |
Everyone’s body is unique, so these measurements are critical for safety—they ensure you can comfortably mount and dismount. To measure your standover height, you’ll need a hardcover book, a tape measure, and a pencil. Here’s how:
1. Stand against a wall with your shoes on.
2. Place the book between your legs, spine facing upward, as if you were sitting on a bike saddle.
3. Mark where the spine touches the wall with a pencil.
4. Measure from the mark to the floor—that’s your inseam.
5. Repeat the process a few times to ensure accuracy.
A quick note: don’t rely on your pants inseam, as it’s often inaccurate.
Next up, let’s talk about safety gear. Learning to brake properly is vital to avoid falls, so practice this skill before even hopping on your bike. Walk your bike around while applying the brakes until you’re comfortable with which lever controls the front and which controls the rear. Knowing what to expect when you hit the brakes can save valuable seconds during those early rides.
If your bike has a coaster brake (which stops the rear wheel when you pedal backward), test it by lifting the rear wheel, spinning the pedals forward, then reversing them to engage the brake. At first, this may feel counterintuitive, but it’ll become natural quickly.
Now, let’s get on the bike! Practice mounting and dismounting while holding the brakes so the bike doesn’t roll away. Sit on your bike with one foot on the ground and the other on the pedal to get used to the sensation. If you can easily plant both feet flat on the ground while seated, your saddle is too low. While it might feel reassuring to have your feet on the ground, this position encourages poor technique and could lead to accidents when you need to rely on your balance in an emergency.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, remove the pedals with a wrench to transform your bike into a balance bike. Scoot around with your feet to get a feel for balancing on two wheels while practicing steering and braking on a flat surface. Removing the pedals isn’t required, but it minimizes ankle injuries and ensures you’re ready to progress at your own pace.
When you’re ready to take the next step, glide forward and see how far you can go before needing to touch a foot down to regain balance. Set up plastic cones or soft obstacles to practice navigating through them. Mastering gliding, steering, and braking means you’re prepared to reinstall the pedals.
Time to pedal! Start with one foot on the ground and the other on the pedal at the two o’clock position for leverage. Push off with the grounded foot and immediately press down firmly on the pedal. Lift your other foot off the ground and alternate pressing with each as it reaches the two o’clock position. Your previous balancing practice will come in handy here—pedaling quickly helps maintain balance.
As you continue practicing, head to park paths until you feel confident. Before hitting the road, brush up on local cycling laws, hand signals, and safety tips. Knowing how to safely share the road with vehicles and avoid hazards like “doorings†is essential for enjoyable and incident-free rides.
Don’t forget maintenance! Properly inflating tires, checking brakes, and cleaning moving parts keeps your bike in top shape. And always wear a helmet to protect your head. For visibility, invest in lights and reflectors if you’ll be riding in foggy or rainy conditions. Lastly, consider insuring your bike against theft, damage, or liability to protect yourself financially.
Finally, it’s wise to look into bicycle insurance. A policy like Velosurance covers your bike against loss, damage, and theft, plus provides liability coverage. You can even tailor the policy to suit your specific riding habits.
In the end, cycling is a rewarding activity that improves fitness and reduces stress. With patience and practice, you’ll soon be enjoying the freedom of two wheels.