THE
FIRST
MILE
Riding a Bike
The basics of riding a bike in 4 simple steps:
1
Setting Up the Bike
We recommend you to find a relatively flat and wide location to begin, preferably with not many people around.
Ensure you can stand over your bike without the top tube pressing into you.
Lower the seat so you can sit on the saddle with your feet just resting on the ground.
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You should be able to reach the handlebars and brakes comfortably.
2
Learning How to Brake
You can do this by practicing walking next to your bike along flat ground and pulling on the brakes to stop, ensuring that you apply pressure evenly across the brakes.
Braking is one of the most important steps to riding a bike. You can't cycle without knowing how to stop!
3
Gliding
Push off and get both of your feet off the ground for as long as you can.
If you need to put one foot down to correct your balance, you may put both down and start again.
Once you can glide along without touching your feet down to correct themselves, you are ready to begin pedaling!
4
Learning to Pedal
Start with one foot on the ground and the opposite foot on a pedal in the two o’clock position to give you some momentum when you push off.
Push down on the pedal and add your other foot as you move forward. You’ll notice the faster you pedal, the easier it is to maintain your balance. Once you develop confidence, practice navigating cones or obstacles until you get the hang of it. You’re riding a bike!
Need something more visual?
Here's a helpful video produced by the Global Cycling Network on how to get started with riding a bicycle!
Safety Warnings and Tips
Remember to stay safe!
Always be in proper attire.
If possible, always be dressed in covered shoes and comfortable/sports clothing, to ensure that you can pedal properly and comfortably.
Always watch out for safety signs.
Look out for speed limit or caution signs whenever you are cycling on cycling paths, park connectors, or roads. Make sure to watch out for pedestrians if you are in a busy area.
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Remember that the speed limit for bicycles is typically 25km/h on PCN shared paths and 10km/h on regular footpaths.
Try to avoid open roads.
Open roads generally have much more traffic flow, and we strongly discourage most cyclists to travel on them, unless they have lots of experience.
Wear a helmet.
It's never embarrassing to wear a helmet! Remember, cycling accidents can and have been fatal. If you're going on a long trip, we strongly advise wearing a helmet. The last thing you would want to disrupt your cycling journey is a concussion.