How To Learn Cycling as an Adult [Complete Guide]

Cycling is one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy. It can also be a great form of transportation. If you are an adult and want to learn how to ride a bike, this article will tell you everything you need to know about learning cycling for adults. Cycling is an activity that you can enjoy at any age. It’s an activity that doesn’t require any special skills or equipment, so it’s easy for anyone to do. So how do you learn how to ride a bicycle?

There are a lot of us who, when we were younger, did not get the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike, but that does not mean that we cannot have another chance to learn how to do it now that we are adults. You might be shocked to find out that a lot of grownups lack this fundamental ability, but it’s never too late to start learning something new.

In this article as well as the related guide, we will walk you through all of the necessary steps that will enable you to ride a bicycle without making any mistakes. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind, listen to them carefully, and store them away in your heart because they are going to be very helpful to you as you progress through this instruction.

Patience is really necessary in this situation; try not to think of yourself as being forced into acquiring this information because you actually want it! Because of this, you have come here in an effort to learn how to ride a bicycle. You are going to be tired out, and you are going to experience a great deal of frustration, but you really shouldn’t quit up. You will unquestionably emerge victorious from this struggle if you are able to successfully adapt your strategy to the evolving circumstances.

Never ever give up! If you even consider the idea of giving up, then the efforts that you have put out up until this point won’t amount to very much.

Having said all of that, let’s get this started!


Get Yourself A Bike That’s The Right Size For You!

how to learn cycling as an adult [complete guide]

The first thing you need to do is check that the upper frame of your bike won’t hit you if you stand over it. (If you are unable to, you will be required to select a size that is smaller. Keep in mind that getting the right bike fit is essential whenever it’s possible. The seat must then be lowered in order for you to be able to sit on the saddle with your feet firmly planted on the ground. It should not be difficult for you to get your hands on the brakes or the handlebars.

Practice Getting On and Off

When you are ready to mount the bike, tilt it so that it is facing you and use the brakes so that it does not roll or shake. When you get off the bike, you need to apply the brakes once again.

Get Used to Braking

According to Northcotte, the ability to brake well is an important talent that, if mastered, can instill a great deal of confidence in you. Walk beside your bicycle while you push it down the road and practice applying the brakes by pushing back on the handlebars. Be careful to apply the same amount of pressure to each of the brakes.


Get Yourself Proper Cycling Helmet

how to learn cycling as an adult [complete guide]

The following step is to purchase a set of helmets that are suitable for you that are both pleasant and robust. When you are out there cycling, helmets ensure that you are protected from the environment, and practicing with them helps you get more comfortable using them. The best helmets fit snugly without being uncomfortable, and they shield your forehead much way Superman protects Metropolis.

Learn To Balance

You could imagine that the next stage is quite difficult, but in point of fact, this is not at all difficult whatsoever! The next step requires you to take off the pedals and lower the seat, but you must accomplish both of these things in a precise manner.

Take a relaxed and confident position on the bike’s seat without showing any sign of hesitance. It’s possible that you have a fear of falling off your bike, but don’t worry—that anxiety is really common, and you’ll get over it very quickly. Taking your feet off the pedals of your bike and placing them on the ground is all that is required. The first step in developing confidence is going to be figuring out how to correctly balance oneself.

The approach for maintaining balance requires you to keep the foot on the opposite leg calm and stable.

Choosing Practice Area

how to learn cycling as an adult [complete guide]

In order to learn how to ride a bike, you will need a space that is both adequate and comfortable for you to practice in. The location should not be overly crowded in any way, and you should look for a spot that is both level and spacious (preferably with a paved surface). In addition, the location should be calm.

A tennis court or an empty parking lot with lots of room would be the ideal setting for you to be in right now. Some individuals choose to travel through grassy regions, but this is not a strategy that is encouraged at all since it prevents you from reaching your top speed and prevents you from gliding. It is not advisable for you to go to a park since it may make things more difficult for you.

It’s a lot of pleasure to teach adults how to ride, and these lessons will be much more enjoyable because they’ll be held outside. Simply continue to improve your riding skills in that area and make it a point to ride with as little or no anxiety as possible. If you reside in San Diego, there are a lot of fantastic places for you to practice and improve your skills.

Gliding Without Pedals

You are going to move on to gliding without using the pedals as the next step. You should safely get on your bike and then take steps while you are seated on the bike; you should begin with steps that are both little and significant. When you have reached a point where you are comfortable with the short steps, you should go to taking longer steps; doing so should make you feel as though you are sprinting in that stance. You will find that increasing your stamina and motivation through these running steps is possible. You have to make sure that you repeat this process several times until you reach a point where you are completely at ease with it.

You’ll be able to increase your speed by using these running steps, which is precisely what you should be doing right now. Build up your speed and while you’re doing so, consider lifting one foot off the ground. Doing so will provide you with a sense of balance, which is essential while you’re riding a bike. Begin with shorter stretches while standing on one foot, and then work your way up to performing longer stretches. The only way for this to become less difficult and more comfortable for you is if you keep up a considerable level of speed; the procedure is ineffective while you are riding at lesser speeds.

You are now tasked with guiding the bicycle while it is in a gliding position. You should attempt turning the bike left and right when you are on those long stretches with your bike. However, sudden movements like those are not encouraged; instead, you should begin traveling left and right in a gradual manner. It is very advised that you go about in a figure eight formation!

When we speak about the advice that comes from professionals, they claim that if you take certain activities when training, it makes the entire process a lot simpler. If we talk about the suggestions that come from specialists. You don’t need to glance to the sides or behind you; simply gazing forward will do the trick just fine. This is the first piece of advice that is given, and it states that you should constantly gaze up towards your target. This will make it very obvious to you what your ultimate destination should be.

Make sure that you are standing straight and do not extend or shift your body into any posture that is not desired; instead, stand still. This will make you feel more comfortable while you are training, which is important since you want to be relaxed when you are riding. It is advised that you have your feet firmly planted on the ground for a time if you feel that you are unable to continue cruising for much longer.


Time To Learn Pedaling

how to learn cycling as an adult [complete guide]

After you have gained experience with everything else, it is time to reattach the pedals to the bike. Maintain a reduced seat position even with the pedals reattached to the back of the cycle. It is recommended that you refrain from using the hand brakes right away since you will need both of your feet to be placed on the ground in order to come to a stop.

How To Start Pedaling Again When Stopped

You are getting close to finishing your training, and now is the time when things can start to get a little bit more challenging for you. You have to start pedaling from a stopped position, and there are a lot of different methods to do it, which we are going to go through now. However, if you are using a bike that has gears, you should make sure that they are in the lowest gear possible before we begin the workout.

Put one foot on the ground and one foot on the pedal, and then start pedaling from that starting position. This is the first step that you can take. It is advised that the foot that is now resting on the pedal be curled in the direction of the one o’clock position. By doing so, you will provide the bike with the momentum it requires to go forward.

You might also attempt the scooter strategy here; for this, you need have one foot in the dropped position (on the ground) and the other in the scoot position (on top of the other foot). Imagine that you are scooting but this time you are on a bike; in order to mount the second pedal, you should first get some speed and then do so.

Finally, what you can do in this situation is start moving while keeping both feet on the pedals. If you simultaneously apply pressure to both pedals, you will improve the efficiency with which you pedal.

Steering and Turning

The final phase is to steer and maneuver the bike while keeping both feet on the pedals. When you feel ready, practice those extended lengths when you only use the pedals, and then go on to the next step, which is steering in different directions. We strongly suggest that you begin pedaling once more, this time at a rate of eight figures per minute on the ground. Begin with the smaller figures and glow at a modest pace; after you have reached a point where you are completely at ease, go on to the larger figures.

Keep in mind that this is not something that can be completed instantaneously; it will most certainly take some time. Because of this, it is advised that you cycle gently and comfortably; there is absolutely no need to be in a hurry.


Cycling is a sport that can be picked up at any age; however, if you are over the age of 40 and have neither a lot of riding experience nor a lot of fitness, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you are just starting out in the sport.

It ought to take forty-five minutes. To begin, you should work on improving their balance; in other words, you shouldn’t concentrate on encouraging them to pedal just yet. To begin, select a location that is open and level; grass should preferably be avoided because it might make it more difficult to push. Release your grip on the handlebar and allow the bike to move around freely.

It’s possible that now is the right moment to start learning how to ride a bike if you haven’t done it in the last fifty years. According to research, those in their fifties and sixties, as well as those in their retirement years, can get various health benefits from riding bicycles. Going for a ride outside on a bicycle does not have to be an intimidating activity.


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Final Words

It is not difficult to learn how to ride a bicycle for an adult; the method is straightforward; all you need to do is start off slowly. Let me tell you something: there is no shame in that, since there are many people who do not know how to ride a bike or cycling. Many adults feel embarrassed about the fact that they do not know how to ride a bike because it seems as though they were not taught how to ride when they were younger.

You have to be at ease with who you are in order to learn the steps in a manner that is relaxed and at your own pace. If you take it easy and go slowly, you’ll get the hang of riding a bike in no time. We have high hopes that you will find this guide to be informative and that it will significantly simplify the process of your training.

Enjoy Cycling!


Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson

Hi! My name is Mark Johnson. I studied MBA from Chicago University, and I am a cyclist who loves to ride bikes. My favorite bike is Mongoose Mountain Bicycle. Every day, I ride my bike for at least an hour, but sometimes longer too. I have been doing cycling for the last 5 years and in this time, I have learned a lot about it. For example, I know how to choose the right bicycle and cycling gears for a person and what are the best places to cycle in my city. So, to help people all around the world i have started this website so i can share some great stuff, my experiences and what to avoid while cycling or learning to do cycling. I hope you will enjoy your stay here.

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