Q&A for How to Ride a Bicycle

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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.
    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.
  • 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.
    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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    My brother thinks I look stupid wearing a helmet. Is he right about it?
    Community Answer
    He can say whatever he thinks but that doesn't make it true. You'd look far more stupid with your brains hanging out after an accident because you didn't wear one.
  • Question
    What if you're 13 and you can't ride a bike because nobody taught you? What should you do?
    Community Answer
    Have a friend with a bike take you to a parking lot or park where you can practice. You'll be able to pick it up within a few hours.
  • Question
    What if my feet are too short to reach the pedals?
    Solip Skier
    Community Answer
    I'd say lower your seat to get at a more comfortable height. There's a lot of instructions on how to do that with just a simple search on your favorite search engine.
  • Question
    What if my child wants to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels?
    Community Answer
    Let them! You should be close to your child when they try to do this, however, as they are likely to fall often. Keep encouraging them, and make sure that they are properly equipped with a helmet, long sleeves, and if necessary, elbow/knee pads.
  • Question
    How do I learn to balance while pedaling a bicycle?
    Community Answer
    Try pedaling at a good pace so you are not going too slow or too fast. Pedaling too slow can cause imbalance.
  • Question
    I'm 11 years old and i don't know how to ride a bike. I feel very embarrassed sometimes. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Ask a parent or other trusted adult in your life to help you learn. Adults will generally be understanding and helpful with these things.
  • Question
    How do I balance if I always fall on the side?
    Community Answer
    You are putting your weight to one side. Practice keeping your weight balanced so you can ride.
  • Question
    How do I get over the fear of falling?
    Community Answer
    Practice getting used to the feeling of being on a bike while a friend holds the back of the seat for support. Once you are comfortable riding that way, practice riding on your own on a sidewalk surrounded by grass. That way, if you fall, the grass will cushion it.
  • Question
    How do I raise/lower the seat of my bike?
    Community Answer
    There is usually a bolt that is securing the seat in place, you will need to loosen this with a spanner, and then pull or push the seat to adjust its height. Once you are happy with where it is, re-tighten the bolt.
  • Question
    Can I fall off a bike with training wheels?
    Community Answer
    Unless someone pushes you or you catapult yourself forward, it is almost impossible to fall off a bike with training wheels.
  • Question
    How do I take off training wheels?
    Community Answer
    A socket wrench should do the trick. Simply attach the right size and unscrew to the left.
  • Question
    How do you keep your balance when riding a bicycle?
    Community Answer
    Try to practice balancing first, without pedalling anywhere. When you get the hang of it, try riding the bike. It's best if you are fast at pedalling, so try going downhill and then onto a flat surface.
  • Question
    On what side of the road do you ride a bike?
    Community Answer
    Depending on your country, you should ride on the same side on which you drive. Big cities tend to have individual lanes for buses and bikes.
  • Question
    Could I learn to ride a bike at 45?
    Community Answer
    Anyone can learn how to ride a bike. It is never too late to learn. Just be prepared to take a few spills.
  • Question
    I'm 23, can I learn to bicycle now?
    Community Answer
    Yes, of course you can still learn. Just remember to keep trying and if you fall off get back up and try again. It may take some time but keep practicing and you will get the hang of it. Remember to wear your helmet when cycling.
  • Question
    Can I pedal while looking?
    Hotcats15
    Community Answer
    If you are asking can you pedal while looking foward, then yes. You should learn how to so you can be aware of the objects and people in front and around you.
  • Question
    Can I ride a bicycle by keeping one leg on the ground and the other leg on the pedal and just pedaling one pedal?
    Hotcats15
    Community Answer
    That would very hard and you wouldn't be moving much. if you need someone to help hold your balance, ask an adult or use training wheels.
  • Question
    How can I convince my mother to let me ride the bike on the street?
    Community Answer
    Your mother might be worried about you getting hurt. You should prove to her that you're a responsible, safe, and competent bicyclist.
  • Question
    How do I start if I keep falling down?
    Community Answer
    Practice on a sidewalk surrounded by grass.The grass will be soft and you will not get yourself hurt.
  • Question
    If the right hand is the brakes, what is the left hand?
    Solip Skier
    Community Answer
    It all depends on the bike. Both should be brakes, because every bike is almost the same.
  • Question
    When should I shift gears?
    Community Answer
    If you are going uphill, and you are finding it hard to cycle, you can shift gears. You can also shift gears when you are going downhill.
  • Question
    I'm 10 and I don't know how to ride a bike, what should I do?
    Community Answer
    Ask someone to help you - a parent, older sibling or cousin, etc. You probably want to start with training wheels.
  • Question
    How can I make a U-turn?
    Community Answer
    You don't need a lot of room. You do need to practice this as it might interfere with balance, you need to turn the handle not completely 180° but around 160°. You can even practice a U-turn in your drive if it's wide enough.
  • Question
    What happens if I fall off your bike when I'm learning to ride?
    Community Answer
    Falling is a part of learning to ride a bike. You fall, it hurts briefly, you get up again and use the fall to learn the balance point from. Eventually you will get that balance point right because you don't want to fall again. Learn on a path with grassed areas each side of it -- such paths are common in parks. That way, you fall on something nice and soft. Also, wear long pants and sleeves, as well as the helmet. You'll be fine.
  • Question
    How to I go fast enough and not fall down?
    Community Answer
    Push off the ground with one foot until you're able to peddle on your own while staying upright. Once you're able to control the bicycle by steering, you'll be able to put more focus into peddling.
  • Question
    How do I ride a cycle with a bag on my back?
    Community Answer
    If the bag is securely on your back, it won't interfere. Backpacks have straps that make them hang off your back. For other types of bags, you'd have to put the strap over you so the bag hangs behind you or balances on the seat in front of you. Don't let any part of it hang low enough that it would get caught in a part of the bicycle.
  • Question
    I live in a populated area and I don't want anyone to see me learning to ride a bike because im 11. Where can I learn?
    Community Answer
    Try a parking lot outside of business hours.
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