Q&A for How to Ride a Bike Safely

It's easy to get away with it when you're on a bike, but you really should stick to the rules of the road. Even if you think it's totally safe, it's just a good habit to get in.

Absolutely not. Riding on the sidewalk is a bad idea. It's dangerous to ride on the sidewalk, and it's much harder to safely cross a street than it is to ride on it.

Keep your eye out for cars and when the road is clear, pass them on the left. It's actually a lot more dangerous to pass on the right, but I see cyclists doing it all the time.

You should be riding in the same direction as traffic.

Follow the same tips in this wikiHow regardless of the length of your trip.

Not knowing how to ride a bike is nothing to be ashamed of. Ask a close friend to help you. It's like learning to drive. Scary at first, but a piece of cake once you get going.

While riding, it's important that you maintain an awareness of what's going on around you. With headphones on, there's a good chance you'd miss the approach of a car, or a beeping horn, or some other indication that you might be in danger.

if your bike is fixed gear, you can skid or push back. Some road bikes or cruisers also have brakes that are triggered by pushing back on the pedals. You should be a very good cyclist before doing anything with great speed that requires sudden braking.

When you are turning right, stick out your right arm and bend your elbow up, into a 90 degree angle. When turning left, use your left arm and stick it straight out.

In some countries, like Australia, helmets are law. In most countries they are not, but it's advised that you always wear one.

Yes. It is the main safety instrument. Many fatalities on bikes occur due to a lack of a helmet -- the head is the heavier part of the body and momentum causes it to fall heavily and fast in an accident. In many places, wearing a helmet when cycling is obligatory by law. But it really just makes common sense and isn't much to ask considering the good it does for your health and safety.

You could try asking your mom or dad for money or you could save up some money to get one. A helmet is necessary for bike safety.

If possible, find a stoplight or cross walk. If there isn't one, look both ways thoroughly to make sure the road is clear before crossing.

There isn't really a way to reliably keep your balance if you can't see where you're going, but I suggest practicing on soft ground. Focus on keeping your hands and arms straight, and keep your looks limited to quick glances.

No, there most likely isn't, but you can check your local state or city laws to be sure.

Keep your fingers on the brakes and pull gently to control your speed. You could wear a high visibility cycling jacket and, if it is dark, have lights on your bike.

Make sure you are wearing a helmet the proper way, wear gloves in case you fall, and have a cycling partner to help you.

Yes but make sure there is a trusted adult riding with you. Be very careful.

If you are good at riding your bike, raise on hand like you're waving but keep it straight up to signal to "Stop". If it looks like the driver is coming in close or dangerous proximity towards you, quickly get to a spot where they can't drive near you.

Wobbling is normal when you first start cycling. it's because you just got on the bike and you're getting used to the feeling. However, if you're going at quite a slow pace, the bike will become unbalanced and could possible fall. Try going at a medium to fast pace to ensure that the bike maintains it's balance.

You can try some electric bikes where legs are not an important part, you will find some low height electric bikes here on amazon, if you search on google best electric bicycle, you will have a lot of reviews. And pick one from them.

Pads are safe to wear if you don't want to scrape yourself. Of course, you don't have to wear them. You can get them online, at a general box store retailer, or at your nearest bike shop.