First of all, Id like to express my thanks to the many people who wrote in after I introduced trikes as a way for adults who never learned to ride a bike or who find it hard to balance on two-wheelers to get out on the road.
The tricycle clearly struck a chord and its great to hear that so many readers are keen to try this as an option.
For those who didnt learn to ride as a kid and who still want to get out on a regular bike rather than a trike, what are the next steps?
My first recommendation is to go to a local bike shop or get online and investigate learn-to-ride programs for new adult riders. When learning a brand-new physical skill like cycling, you cant beat having an experienced instructor who will take you through the basics of balancing, steering, and braking.
In Vancouver, the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Area Cycling Coalition offers an excellent training course that comes highly recommended by participants. (Go to vacc.bc.ca/streetwise for detailed information.)
The advantages of this program include an individual instructor, meaning the focus of the lesson isnt split between multiple participants. You can learn at your own pace and choose your location. (They do recommend a standard locale and an extra charge of $30 may apply for travel outside the city.) Three hour-long lessons take place over three weeks, giving you plenty of time to practise your new skills between sessions.
The cost is $150 for VACC members and $175 for non-members.
If you decide youd prefer to learn by yourself or with a friend, here are some tips to help you get going.
Fit is firstFirst of all, make sure the bike is the right size for you. Even experienced riders find over-sized bikes harder to handle. As a beginner, youll want the seat low enough that you can put both feet flat on the ground to catch yourself if you need to.
Be a head caseWear protective gear, including a helmet and knee and elbow pads for additional safety and peace of mind.
Leggo your egoDont worry about whether or not you look funny, awkward or inexperienced.
As a brand-new rider its inevitable that youll feel clumsy and may even take a spill. Its much more important to ensure youre ready to hop back up and carry on when they do.
Location, locationWhen youre ready to start riding, find a gentle downhill slope and practise coasting downward in a straight line. This will give you a feel for being on a moving bicycle without worrying about steering or pedalling.
New rider Fiona Abbott also has a suggestion from her own experience to help reduce nerves: start out on short grass. Not only does it help reduce the fear of a fall onto hard concrete, it also made it easier for her to control the bike at low speeds. (This is always tricky for beginnersa bit of speed actually makes it far easier to balance and steer, but its hard to go quickly when youre still new and wobbly and getting your confidence.)
Success by summerMost importantly, if youve been debating learning to ride for a while, get out there and give it a try. Summers coming, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»has all kinds of beautiful bike paths on which to practise and gain confidence. Youll learn a skill that will be fun and practical for many years to come.
Kay Cahill is a cyclist and librarian who believes bikes are for life, not just for commuting.
You can contact or send a comment to [email protected].
