Cycling can be intimidating at first, but all it takes is the correct technique and a lot of practice to become a master of these two-wheel vehicles. Many people never learned cycling in their childhood, and if you’re one of them, that’s absolutely fine. There is a starting point for everything. Once you learn to cycle, you will most likely make this activity a part of your daily life.
Cycling comes with plenty of advantages. Along with its obvious health benefits, cycling gives you an incomparable sense of freedom and joy. So, to help you get started with cycling, we have put together a guide that will make your learning process a bit easier.
Steps To Follow For Beginner Cyclists
1. Finding A Location
As a beginner, you should find a place that is free from traffic, heavy vehicles, and any road hazards. It can be your driveway, sidewalk, park trail, or even parking lot. All of these places are great for learning how to ride. Cycling will be easier if the surface of the ground is flat and smooth. Riding on grass is also a good idea as you won’t get injured if you fall from your bike. However, peddling and balancing could be a bit difficult on a grassy surface.
2. Gear Up
After getting your desired bike, it’s time for you to gear up. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you should always wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. In terms of bike accidents, you can injure your head severely, which can be fatal if you are not careful. A helmet can save you from possible head trauma if you ever get into an accident like that.
Thus, get yourself a helmet that fits your head properly and meets all the U.S. safety standards. As for the attire, you can go for long pants, full-sleeved shirts, and a nice pair of running shoes. You can also get some knee and elbow pads to protect your joints from getting any scratches.
3. Adjust Your Seat
As a beginner adjusting your bike seat is very important; otherwise, you’ll be uncomfortable, and it would be even more challenging for you to learn to cycle. The saddle needs to be low enough so that when you sit, you can keep both your feet flat on the ground. A low seat would give you balance and prevent you from falling. Once you are done adjusting your seat, try to get on and off your bike a few times. Keep doing it until you’re comfortable.
4. Learn To Break
Before you start riding, learn how the break works on your bicycle. You need to understand how much pressure you need to put on the brakes to stop or slow down your bike. You can walk alongside your bike and push the brakes to see how your bike responds.
Be sure that you are pressing both front and rear brakes. The brakes can be found on the handlebars, so test and determine which controls the front and controls the rear breaks. If you press the front brake, your bicycle will tilt forward, whereas pressing the back break will let your rear wheel slide.
5. Riding Without Pedal
Start by keeping one foot on the ground; it stops your bike from tumbling. Distribute your weight evenly on the center of the bike and sit straight. You can sense the weight of the bike between your legs. Now start gliding the bike by pushing yourself off with your feet.
For beginners, it would be easier to ride bikes without using pedals. Try to go forward by taking longer running strides and practicing it for some time.
6. Learn To Pedal
After taking the running steps, it’s time to use the pedal. Place your feet forward on the pedals and try to balance yourself when your bicycle is in motion. In case you ever have the feeling that you’re falling or unable to balance the bicycle, immediately try to put one of your feet down. And push yourself off again with the other foot.
You can start peddling from the stop position by using one or both of your feet to push yourself forward and then use the pedals. While you’re riding, try to look ahead and focus on the path you want your bike to go.
7. Steering
Once you get the hang of coasting your bicycle, with and without the pedals, it’s time to learn how to steer and turn. For beginners, steering simply means moving your handlebars to make turns. You can turn to the side you’re most comfortable with and start making smaller turns at first.
Do not try to pedal throughout your turn; you can go too fast or even lose control. Before making the turn, go easy on your pedal and make a small turn. Finally, you can coast with your pedal after getting out of the turn. Practice turning for both sides.
8. More And More Practice
The first day of learning how to cycle may not be that easy. But you can become an excellent cyclist with time and a lot of practice. Try to make a habit of cycling every day if you can. You can go cycling either by yourself or with a group of friends.
Also, you can find many cycling groups that teach beginners and arrange daily or weekly group rides. This can give you that extra push and motivation you need for cycling more often.
Benefits Of Cycling
Since cycling is not something you learn overnight, you may wonder what’s the use of learning this. Well, there are many reasons why you should learn to cycle.
- Cycling is the easiest and most effective workout for your body. It puts very little strain on your muscles and joints.
- Regular cycling helps to boost your metabolic system and keep you fit.
- Bikes are an excellent substitute for vehicles that increase the carbon footprint and harm our environment.
- Cycling is a great way to boost your mental health as well. It could highly benefit people with depression and anxiety.
Final Words
Frequent cycling can shape your lifestyle in the most healthy way possible. Besides, cycling is also the best mode of transportation because of its eco-friendliness. However, the best thing about cycling is the freedom you feel to go out and explore. Therefore, if you’re planning to learn cycling, we hope this guide will help you out in the utmost ways.
William Arrovo seeks thrills and laughter in everything he comes across. He is a fun loving person with a zest of exploring the breathtaking places around the globe. He feels content in sharing his experiences of travelling to various countries. He is grateful about enriching himself with a myriad of cultures and rejuvenating his soul while staying outdoors.
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