How to Ride a Bike: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

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Learn how to ride a bike quickly with these tips for adults & kids
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Do you want to go outside and ride a bike? Are you trying to teach someone else? Many adults never got the chance to learn how to ride a bike, and many kids want to learn. There’s no reason to be embarrassed. Instead, get eager to start one of the healthiest, most environmentally friendly, and satisfying forms of self-transportation out there! We spoke with Jonas Jackel, owner of Huckleberry Bicycles, to get his best tips on learning how to ride a bike or teaching someone else.

How to Ride a Bicycle: Quick Steps

  • Safety first! Practice on flat, smooth ground in daylight. Wear a helmet, elbow, and knee pads to protect yourself in case you fall.
  • Push off the street with one leg to propel forward. Once you’re gliding, start pedaling with the other foot. Try to pedal straight forward as long as possible.
  • Use the hand brakes to stop. Once you’re comfortable with a straight line, it’s time to tackle steering and gentle slopes!
Section 1 of 4:

Riding a Bike Safely

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  1. When you’re learning as a beginner, find a location that’s comfortable and far from traffic. A good place to start is a flat, smooth stretch of ground such as your driveway or your sidewalk. Jackel recommends an empty parking lot if you don’t have a safe place to practice bike riding skills.
    • Starting off on grass or smooth gravel helps since falls there hurt less. However, these surfaces make balancing and pedaling harder.
    • If you plan to practice balance and pedaling on hills, look for locations with gentle slopes.
    • Check your local laws to see if it is legal to ride on sidewalks or other paths.
    • Avoid riding in traffic or on a commuter bike path until you feel more confident in your bike riding skills.
  2. Knee and elbow pads insulate joints and protect against scrapes. They’re recommended for all riders. [1] Long-sleeved shirts and long pants also help protect against falls and can be combined with pads.
    • Avoid baggy pants and long skirts. They may get caught in the bike’s gears and tires, resulting in a fall.
    • Avoid open-toed shoes that leave your feet exposed to the bike and the ground.
    • As an alternative, get a bicycle that has a skirt and chain guard that prevents long clothes from getting caught in the gears.
    • Just remember, if you do fall, it’s normal. If you aren’t seriously injured, the best thing to do is get right back up and try again/
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  3. Helmets are recommended for beginners and experienced bike riders. You never know when an accident will happen. A broken bone can usually be fixed, but head trauma, which is common in bicycle accidents, can be very serious. [2] Also, some areas have laws requiring riders to wear helmets. Even in areas with safe cycling infrastructure, a helmet may still be a good idea, especially if the bike paths are not well-maintained.
    • A good helmet fits tightly and comes to an inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows. It has straps that keep your helmet in place while still allowing you to move your mouth.
    • Commuter helmets are rounded, made of foam and plastic. [3]
    • Road helmets are elongated and often have vents. They’re also made with foam and plastic, but are popular on roads or in competitive racing.
    • Youth (age 10-15), child (age 5-10), and toddler (under 5) helmets are all smaller commuter or road helmets. Toddler helmets are the only ones with more foam.
    • Mountain bike helmets and professional sports helmets often come with visors and neck braces. These help you tackle tough off-road conditions. [4]
  4. Riding is possible at night, but not recommended for beginners. You’ll be spending a lot of time learning to balance. This means that, as you get acclimated, the bike may swerve into traffic or hit other dangers you'll have a hard time seeing. At night, drivers also have a more difficult time seeing you. [5]
    • If you have to go out at night, use retro reflective stickers on your bike, use bike headlights, and ride in a well-lit area.
    • Utility bicycles make the rider more visible and give them better visibility, even at night.
  5. 5
    Check that the tires are in good condition and properly inflated. Scan the treads of your tires for any debris, such as rocks or twigs. Look for cracks, cuts, or the inner threads showing through the rubber. [6] While you’re inspecting the tire, look for the recommended pressure range on the tire’s sidewall. Then, fit a pressure gauge onto the tire’s valve to check the air pressure in your tires. [7]
    • If your bike’s tire pressure is low, inflate it to the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) with a bike pump.
    • Check the tire pressure again to make sure you’ve added enough air.
  6. 6
    Test that the brakes are functioning properly. Stand next to the bike and roll it forward. Squeeze each brake lever separately to test that the brakes are causing the bike to stop. Flip the bike over and spin the wheels to check that the brake pads aren’t dragging on the wheels when you aren’t applying the brakes.
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Section 2 of 4:

Mounting, Gliding, & Pedaling a Bicycle

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  1. Jackel explains, “It helps to put the seat down kind of low while you're learning so you feel comfortable getting your feet down on the ground.” Training wheels offer a similar type of security. Generally, adults don’t need to use training wheels, but young children can use these or specialty balance bikes to learn to balance on a bike. [8]
    • It’s possible to remove the pedals, especially to help kids learn to ride a bike. While it keeps them out of the way, it isn’t absolutely necessary.
    • Once you've mastered riding, crank the seat back up a bit. “Once you get the hang of it and you can balance okay, then it's a lot easier to pedal when the seat’s up a little bit higher,” says Jackel.
  2. Stay off the bicycle for now. Roll it next to you as you walk forward. As you walk, pull the brake levers to get used to their location, how they feel, and how the bike reacts to them. Test each one to see which hand controls the brakes on the front and back wheels.
    • Notice how squeezing the back brake causes the rear wheel to skid. Squeezing the front brake causes the bike to pitch forward. [9]
    • If your bike doesn’t have brakes on the handles, it has backpedal (coaster) brakes. To brake, press down on the pedal closest to the back end of the bike as if pedaling backwards. [10]
    • A fixed wheel or fixie bike has no brakes. [11] Riders stop by slowing their pedaling, putting their feet down, or leaning forward and holding both pedals horizontally to skid.
  3. It doesn't matter which side you choose, but your dominant side will feel more natural. A right-handed person, for instance, can stand on the left side of the bike. Lift your right leg, swing it over the bike, and put it on the ground on the other side. Hold the bike upright between your legs.
    • Feel the weight of the bike between your legs and try to keep it balanced as you lower yourself onto the seat.
    • Maintain your weight centered over the bike, evenly distributed between your left and right sides. Sit up straight instead of leaning.
  4. Tuck your feet up onto the pedals. While in motion, maintain the bike’s balance as long as you can. Once you feel the bike beginning to tip, catch it by putting one foot to the ground, then push off again. [12]
    • If you’re having trouble keeping your balance, hold your feet out to each side of the bike instead of putting them on the pedals.
    • Put your foot down if you feel your balance wobble. Then, push off again to keep going.
  5. Before you have complete control, go where the bike goes. When starting, the bike tends to go to the side or in circles. Instead of stopping, let it go and try to maintain balance while it does. [13]
    • Concentrate on looking in the direction you want the bike to go to avoid distractions from road hazards or other sights.
    • When you’re learning to pedal, you might be tempted to look at your feet. Try to keep your eyes up to watch the road ahead.
  6. Start with one foot on the ground. Place your other foot flat on a pedal that’s toward the front of the bike. Push off with the foot that’s on the ground while pushing down with your foot on the pedal. Move the foot that was on the ground onto the pedal. [14]
    • As each pedal circles to the top and front of its rotation, push it down and back to move the bike forward.
    • Keep going as long as you can maintain balance. Going faster makes balancing easier, but don’t go so fast that you lose control.
  7. Don't stop the bike by using your feet. To use the brakes, stop pedaling and shift your weight onto the lowest pedal. Squeeze both handbrakes smoothly to bring the bike to a stop. Once the bike has stopped, raise yourself off the seat and step off the pedal onto the ground. [15]
    • Putting your feet down too early while using the brakes stops the bicycle abruptly. Your momentum won't stop, and you'll whack into the handlebars.
    • Avoid squeezing the brakes too quickly, or the bike may stop while your body keeps going.
    • Squeezing one brake only stops one wheel, which can cause you to be thrown off the bike.
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Section 3 of 4:

Learning to Ride on Slopes

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  1. Walk the bike to the top of a slope, mount it, and glide down, allowing the bike to slow naturally in the flat area at the bottom. Dismount and repeat as necessary until you get used to balancing and controlling the bike. [16]
    • Keep your weight focused on your feet. Stay pressed against the seat, keep your elbows bent, and your body relaxed.
    • When you’re confident coasting to the bottom, try riding down the slope with your feet on the pedals, but don’t pedal.
  2. Once you’re comfortable keeping your feet on the pedals, go to the top of the slope again. This time, gently squeeze the brakes as you glide down the hill. Take it slow and get the feel of stopping the bike without swerving out of control or pitching over the handlebars. Move the handlebars until you change the direction of the bike without losing control.
    • Feel how the slope changes the way the bike acts and adjust your balance to match it.
    • Use the techniques learned while gliding to pedal and steer without stopping at the bottom of the hill.
    • Transition to the flatter surface while practicing sharper turns, then brake to a stop.
  3. Going up a slope requires additional work. Lean forward into the pedaling or even stand up to gain extra power. Bike up and down the slope several times until you feel comfortable.
    • Once you feel confident, bike halfway up the slope, come to a stop, and start pedaling upwards again.
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Section 4 of 4:

Teaching a Child to Ride a Bicycle

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  1. 1
    Lower the seat so the child can glide on the bike. When teaching a child to ride a bike , make sure their feet rest on the ground when they’re sitting on the seat. Show them how to use their legs to walk on the ground and push the bike forward. This helps them learn to coast and balance on the bike. [17]
    • Jackel recommends getting a balance bike without pedals or taking the pedals off a standard bike until the child is comfortable balancing.
    • It’s better to master balancing on two wheels before learning how to pedal, explains Jackel.
    • It’s important for the child to wear a helmet while learning to ride a bike. Knee and elbow pads are also a good idea.
    • This method is good for kids because it helps them get used to keeping their balance on the bike and prevents falls.
  2. 2
    Help them practice pedaling by walking with them to keep them balanced. Demonstrate how the pedals work by having the child push on them with their feet as you steady them and the bike so they don’t lose their balance. Show them how to use the coaster brake by pedaling backwards. As they get used to pedaling, walk alongside them and continue to help them stay balanced on the bike. [18]
    • Support the child (not the bike) by placing your hands on their arms, shoulders, or lower back. If they need more support, put your hands under their armpits.
    • If you took the pedals off the bike for gliding, reinstall them before showing your child how to pedal.
    • When teaching a toddler to pedal a bike , it might be helpful to show them how while off the bike. Have them lie on their back and push on your hands like they’re the pedals.
  3. 3
    Gradually provide less support until they’re ready to ride on their own. When your child is ready for a solo ride, have them start with one pedal up. Show them how to push off with one foot as they push down on the pedal. Stay close as you direct them to push on the pedals to build up a little speed and practice riding alone. [19]
    • Try to stay close by just in case they need help or start to feel worried about keeping their balance.
    • If the child falls, stay calm. Give them any basic first aid if necessary. If they aren’t hurt, tell them they did a great job and encourage them to try again.
    • Just being patient and flexible in adapting your teaching strategy to the specific needs of the kid, recommends Jackel.
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Safety Info & More

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you cycle safely in a city?
    Jonas Jackel
    Owner, Huckleberry Bicycles
    Jonas Jackel is the Owner of Huckleberry Bicycles, a bicycle retail store based in San Francisco, California. Jonas has over 20 years of experience managing bicycle retail stores and has operated Huckleberry Bicycles since 2011. Huckleberry Bicycles specializes in servicing, repairing, and custom building road, cross, gravel, touring, folding, and e-bikes. Jonas was also previously sat on the Board of Directors for Bike East Bay, a bicycle-advocacy non-profit organization based in Oakland, California.
    Jonas Jackel
    Owner, Huckleberry Bicycles
    Expert Answer
    Don't ride with headphones. When you're riding, especially in an area where there are a lot of other cyclists, you need to be able to hear what's going on around you. Also, avoid riding on the sidewalk. In a densely populated area, there are a lot of people walking and stepping in and out of buildings, so riding your bike on the sidewalk can be very dangerous. In many cities, it is illegal to ride a bike on sidewalks; you can get a ticket, and if you cause injury to another person, the charges can be expensive.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How can I cycle on the road safely?
    Jonas Jackel
    Owner, Huckleberry Bicycles
    Jonas Jackel is the Owner of Huckleberry Bicycles, a bicycle retail store based in San Francisco, California. Jonas has over 20 years of experience managing bicycle retail stores and has operated Huckleberry Bicycles since 2011. Huckleberry Bicycles specializes in servicing, repairing, and custom building road, cross, gravel, touring, folding, and e-bikes. Jonas was also previously sat on the Board of Directors for Bike East Bay, a bicycle-advocacy non-profit organization based in Oakland, California.
    Jonas Jackel
    Owner, Huckleberry Bicycles
    Expert Answer
    Pass other bikes on the left. If you pass on the right, between another bike and the curb, you're putting yourself at risk because you could crash into the curb, but you're also putting other people at risk because they have to swerve into traffic if they need to avoid you. Additionally, slow down before curves. If you're going fast downhill, use your brakes to slow down enough so you can navigate the turn. If you use too much brake in a turn, your tires can lock up and slide out from under you, especially if the roads have oily places, or are wet or covered with autumn leaves. Gravel can also lead to wipe outs if you're going too fast.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    I am 9, is it weird that I can't ride a bike?
    Solip Skier
    Community Answer
    Not at all. I am 15 and learned how to ride a bike a few days ago. There are people that live their whole lives without the skill of riding a bike. You're not alone, just keep working at it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • Learning is more fun with other people. For kids or other people who are afraid of falling, seeing other people learning and having fun encourages learning.
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      • Bikes with gears can be harder for beginners to master. If you only have a bike with gears, leave it in a middle gear until you’re ready to learn how to shift.
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      • Ask a parent or another adult to give you a few pointers. It’s also a good idea to have someone around as a safety precaution in case of any accidents.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you think you aren't ready enough to ride a bike with two wheels, don't push yourself! You can't balance on the first try. Feel free to have someone to help you or use some training wheels while you get used to using the bike.
      • Make sure you have adult supervision the first time you try to ride on the road. Go riding with friends or siblings if possible, since it's both safer and more fun to ride with a group.
      • Don't brake really hard or you could fall off your bike and get hurt. Just ease the brakes on.
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      Warnings

      • After you've learned how to ride a bike, remember to learn about road safety, including the dangers of speeding, interacting with cars, and obeying road signs.
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      • Biking accidents are common and dangerous, especially in cities lacking safe cycling infrastructure. Wear a helmet to prevent head injuries and padding to avoid scrapes and fractures.
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      • Stay off of high-speed roads (20 miles per hour (30 km/h) or greater) when possible, as those are often the most lacking in terms of safe cycling infrastructure.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.safekids.org/blog/are-your-kids-staying-safe-while-riding
      2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bicycle-helmet-safety
      3. ↑ https://www.helmets.org/types.htm
      4. ↑ https://healthy.ucdavis.edu/funded-projects/current/how-to-ride-a-bike
      5. ↑ https://transportation.psu.edu/rules-safety-and-resources
      6. ↑ https://usacycling.org/article/what-to-check-on-your-bike-before-you-ride
      7. ↑ https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/135586/how-to-tell-if-bike-tire-is-full-enough/
      8. ↑ https://www.ibike.org/education/teaching-kids.htm
      9. ↑ https://bikes.hlc.harvard.edu/safety-tips/
      1. ↑ https://bike.olemiss.edu/safetytips/road-rules/
      2. ↑ https://www.gearpatrol.com/outdoors/why-i-ride-a-fixie-bike/
      3. ↑ https://www.cyclinguk.org/teachingadults
      4. ↑ https://bwanh.org/learning-to-ride-a-bike/
      5. ↑ https://bikeportland.org/2019/02/05/family-biking-learning-to-ride-a-pedal-bike-295016
      6. ↑ https://www.cycling-embassy.org.uk/dictionary/cyclists-dismount
      7. ↑ https://okcbike.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=437396&module_id=244102
      8. ↑ https://www.bicycling.com/skills-tips/a20032688/never-make-these-7-mistakes-when-teaching-someone-to-ride/
      9. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/how-to-teach-your-child-to-ride-a-bike-in-just-45-minutes-video-186586
      10. ↑ https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/school-age/how-to-teach-your-child-to-ride-a-bike/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To learn to ride a bicycle, first find a flat, open area that’s far from traffic. Put on a helmet in case you fall, and consider wearing knee and elbow pads when you’re first learning. Place your bike on a flat surface, and adjust the seat so both of your feet can touch the ground while you’re seated. Before you try riding your bike, walk next to it and practice pressing on the brakes until you get a feel for how they work. Then, sit on your bike, place one foot on one of the pedals, and place your other foot on the ground. When you’re ready, push off with your foot that’s on the ground, and see how long you can glide on your bike without pedaling. Keep your eyes forward and look toward where you want to go, which will help you balance. If you feel yourself starting to tip, place your foot back on the ground to catch yourself. Keep doing this until you’re comfortable balancing on your bike. Then, do the same thing again, but this time start pedaling with your feet. Continue pedaling and steering in the direction you want to go. The faster you pedal, the easier it will be to balance. If you need to come to a stop, stop pedaling and press down on the brakes. Consider asking a friend to spot you as you practice pedaling farther distances! Keep reading to learn how to ride your bike on a slope!

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