Below are some great resources for learning how to ride a bike. The information below is organized into info for adults and kids.
Adults
First-time Riders
Learning to ride a bike as an adult can be challenging and fun. Here are some online resources that might be helpful.
If you are an adult interested in learning how to ride a bike for the first time, check out these resources below. We recommend choosing a flatish location that has little or no motor vehicle or other traffic, such as a quiet grassy area, a non-busy paved street or neighborhood, or a bike-ped pathway or corridor, such as a rail trail, where motor vehicles are not allowed. A flat grassy area might be more comfortable in case you fall off your bike during this learning process. Your call!
Depending on the type of bike you are riding, you may prefer an asphalt-paved surface, which is smoother to ride on, or a gravel surface if you are using an off-road bike. Note that whether you choose a street or a rail trail, it’s best to choose a timeslot when the location is not too busy or crowded with other users.
NOTE: Persons operating a bicycle in or near traffic must follow the same “Rules of the Road” (laws) as motor vehicle operators. Before riding a bike in or near traffic, all persons should educate themselves on these Rules of the Road posted here.
How to Ride a Bike as an Adult in 6 Easy Steps
Videos
- https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-learn-to-ride-a-bike-as-an-adult.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=NIsDrtPTTd8 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=wqmzwVrkTU4
Tips
These important tips will help make the experience safer and more enjoyable:
- Wear a helmet!
- Choose a location that is away from other traffic, such as motor vehicle traffic, pedestrians, and other bicyclists.
- A location that has a surface material of grass or compact dirt. A grassy field is preferable. Try to avoid soft sandy areas.
- Rail trails can be good locations to learn how to ride a bike, but be aware that rail trails can be crowded with other trail users. If you choose to ride on a rail trail to learn how to ride a bike, visit during off-peak hours, such as early morning and avoid weekends. Stay as far to the right as possible to avoid collisions with other trail users.
- Make sure you understand the “rules of the road” (laws and safety recommendations) when riding in or near motor vehicle traffic on roadways. We cover them on our site here: –> https://bwanh.org/rules-of-
the-road/
Make sure you get a bike that fits you (not too big or too small) and is the right type of bike for kind of bicycling you intend to do (road, rail trails, gravel roads or mountain biking).
A reputable bike shop will be the best at showing you the options and helping you make these decisions. These bike shops are BWA supporters and we highly recommend them.
Here is info on bicycle recycling organizations that sell used bikes. –> https://bwanh.org/bicycle-
Re-Learning to Ride a Bike or Improving Skills\Knowledge
If you are an adult who already knows the basics of how to ride a bike (balancing, pedaling, steering and breaking), or you rode long a ago, but it has been a while since you have been on a bike, here are some resources to help you improve and expand your skills and knowledge.
NOTE: Persons operating a bicycle in or near traffic must follow the same “Rules of the Road” (laws) as motor vehicle operators. Before riding a bike in or near traffic, all persons should educate themselves on the “Rules of the Road” (laws) regarding bicyclists posted here.
Check out these resources to improve your bicycling skills and knowledge:
Also, please wear a helmet!
Kids
Here are some resources for teaching kids to ride a bike.
First off, remember that children should always wear a helmet when riding a bike. It is required for children 15 and younger by state law in New Hampshire, as well as many other states (RSA 265:144-X) .
Removing Pedals or Using Balance Bike – A great way for kids to learn how to ride a bike is to first teach them the skills of balancing and steering. This can be accomplished by removing the pedals from regular bike, or by using a balance bike. A balance bike is specifically designed for younger, smaller kids and has no pedals. It also has a slightly lower seat height so that feet can easily reach the ground. Kids learn balance and how to propel themselves forward using their feet on the ground. They also learn steering and breaking. Once the child learns these skills, they are ready to begin learning how to pedal. A balance bike, strider bike, or a bike with no pedals is a great teaching tool.
“Strider” is a brand name of one of the companies that makes balance bikes. Strider is unique in making bikes with 14” tires and having the conversion kit which allows pedals and a chain to be added to their bikes. Strider is affiliated with the AllKidsBike.org program.
