How to ride a bike

For first-time riders who want steady balance and a clean first pedal run on flat ground.

Keep the bike rolling under you and look where you want to go. Motion steadies the wheels better than a dead stop.

Have ready a bike you can straddle with both feet flat on the ground, a flat open path at least fifty feet long, a helmet that sits level, and closed-toe shoes.

Step 01
CHECK the seat height with both feet flat: straddle the top tube and confirm each sole rests fully on the ground with a slight knee bend.
You know it is right when you can sit and plant without tiptoeing. If only your toes reach, lower the seat two finger-widths and test again.
Step 02
SIT on the seat with the frame upright: hands light on the grips, dominant-side foot (the one you kick a ball with) planted, other foot free to push.

Hips stay centered and the bike leans only a few degrees. If it tips, press the dominant-side foot harder, reset upright, and ease your grip.

Step 03

SCOOT forward in short pushes: walk the bike five to ten feet, then lift both feet for a brief free roll.

It works when the wheels track straight and you stay centered for about two seconds. If you tip, plant both feet at once and push off slower.

Step 04

GLIDE with both feet raised: after one strong push, hold the coast three to five seconds while you look a spot twenty feet ahead.

The check is a smooth coast with no foot dab. If the front wheel wobbles, soften your grip and shift your eyes farther forward, not down at the tire.

Step 05

PEDAL from a dominant-side start: place that foot on the pedal at about the two o’clock position on your dominant side, push down, and bring the other foot up to follow.

You are on track when both feet complete a full smooth circle and the bike stays under you. If you stall, plant both feet, reset the dominant-side pedal to two o’clock, and push off once more.

Step 06

BRAKE to a straight stop with both levers: squeeze the brake levers on the handlebars evenly while your feet ready to plant.

Caution: the levers sit on the handlebars—squeeze lightly at first relative to your speed so the bike slows without pitching you forward. You did it right when you halt in a line and step down clean. If the rear skids, ease both levers and squeeze more gently.

The most common mistake

Most riders stare down at the front tire. Fix it by locking your eyes on a point twenty feet ahead and letting your hands follow.

Pro tip

Keep the seat low enough for flat-footed stops until your glides last five seconds with no dab; then raise it about one inch at a time.

Say it every time

Eyes far, feet ready, glide long, then pedal.

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