Learning new skills as we get older can be a challenge and the thought of learning to ride a bike as an adult can seem like a daunting prospect!
However, with patience, the right approach, and a bit of fun, learning to ride a bike later in life is still very much achievable!
Whether you’ve never ridden before or are looking to rebuild your confidence after a long break off the bike, learning to ride a bike as an adult can be a rewarding experience.
When restarting your cycling journey, it’s a good idea to have an experienced friend or family member to provide some assistance along the way. This guide will help show you (and them!) how to make the process smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
Choose the right bike
Before setting off, it’s essential to ensure your bike is the right fit. The seat should be adjustable so you can reach the ground with your feet while seated. A comfortable, well-fitting bike makes a huge difference in confidence. Consider a bike that’s stable, easy to control and is lightweight to help make balance more manageable.
If you’re looking to eventually start riding your bike to work, be sure to check out the Cycle2Work scheme. Cycle2Work is a government initiative, allowing you to get a new bike and accessories for less. The reduced cost is simply deducted from your payslip over 12 or 18 months. You can even access promotional and seasonal offers such as Christmas and Black Friday on top of Cycle2Work savings!
Pick the perfect practice location
It’s best to practice in a quiet, flat, and open area, like an empty car park or a park with a smooth, wide path. There should be no traffic or distractions. A soft surface like grass or a smooth tarmac path can be helpful for learners to feel safe should there be any wobbles along the way!
Get comfortable with balance
Balance is the most important skill to master when learning to ride a bike. Start by sitting on the bike and practice scooting along with your feet while keeping the pedals stationary. This will help you get used to balancing and steering. Once you’re confident with scooting, you can start to lift your feet and try gliding, letting the bike roll forward.
Start pedalling
Once you’re comfortable with balance, it’s time to introduce pedalling. Start by positioning your feet on the pedals and practice pushing off the ground. Your learning partner can give you a gentle push to help get you started. Remember to keep your eyes forward and try not to look at your feet. Try to relax and keep a steady pace.
Focus on steering
Once you’ve become confident in pedalling, it’s important to practice steering. Again, it’s important to look ahead and steer gently with the handlebars rather than over-correcting or gripping too tightly. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to control the bike. Make sure you’re doing small and slow turns to build confidence in controlling the bike.
Stopping safely
Next, it’s time to learn how to stop safely by practicing gentle braking gently. Stopping too suddenly can lead to losing balance, so it’s important to ease into a stop and use both brakes evenly to avoid tipping over.
Practice starting and stopping
Starting and stopping will be key moments to master. Practice coming to a complete stop and then starting up again. Once you feel confident in your ability to start, stop, and steer, you’ll be well on your way to riding solo without any assistance!
Build confidence gradually
As with any new skill, progress should be gradual. Start with small challenges like riding in a straight line, then work your way up to wider turns, controlling speed, and handling slight inclines. Build up your confidence and celebrate small milestones!
Safety first
Safety is key! Always make sure you’re wearing a helmet, and consider other protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads, especially if you’re nervous about falling and be mindful of signalling and being aware of your surroundings.
Keep practicing
Even after you’ve mastered the basics, riding regularly will improve your skills and build confidence. Practice in different settings, such as on paths or trails, to help become more comfortable with real-world conditions.
Final thoughts
Riding a bike as an adult requires patience and encouragement. Some people may learn quickly, while others may need a little more time, but the reward of riding confidently for the first time is worth the effort. Remember, the key is to make the experience enjoyable, safe, and pressure-free. With the right guidance and lots of practice, you’ll be a fully-fledged cyclist in no time.
Ready to get started? Check out our wide range of bikes and cycling accessories at Halfords, perfect for all levels of riders. Happy cycling!