Learning to cycle as an adult

mardin

As the title says, I'm looking to learn how to cycle after never having learned to when I was younger and was wondering if anyone had any experience with this or just general tips about getting started in general since there doesn't seem to be such a thing as cycling lessons.

Lumen

There have been previous threads about this, maybe do a search.

Beg, borrow or steal yourself a bike, drop the saddle a bit so you can use your feet, learn to coast on a slight downhill (not on the road), start pedalling, job done.

Good luck!

Chris O Donoghue

Hi: I recently helped someone to learn to cycle, as they hadn't learned as a child. We got a standard mountain bike, and lowered the saddle so that both feet could comfortably reach the ground. The learner just went around in circles in a car park, and slowly built up confidence to adjust the saddle to a normal height. They picked up the basics in about an hour. They've done plenty of on and off road cycling since then.

The main skill in cycling is road sense, which comes with time, but as an adult you'll learn quickly enough just by getting out on spins.

Best of luck!

Alanstrainor

Thinking about it wont get you anywhere, find a bike and just go for it.

gmoorewest

Was teaching an adult last year and as said above drop the saddle so as feet can touch the ground. We also took off the pedals and walked the bike while sitting on the seat. Got used to balance this way. Found that rolling down a slight incline and lifting his feet slightly worked well.
Good luck with it.

Beasty

Lumen wrote: »

There have been previous threads about this, maybe do a search.

Here's one

MiskyBoyy

mardin wrote: »

As the title says, I'm looking to learn how to cycle after never having learned to when I was younger and was wondering if anyone had any experience with this or just general tips about getting started in general since there doesn't seem to be such a thing as cycling lessons.

It's never too late to start cycling and will be one of the best things you learn to do. Great way of clearing your head, getting exercise & having fun at the same time! The above recommendations seem legit & I would go with these myself.
Fair play to you

C3PO

Wow .... lucky you! I would love to experience the thrill of a 1st bike ride again! Good luck!

rollingscone

I taught my Mrs to cycle a bike from scratch this summer, it only took three sessions of learning to coast and gradually introducing braking and peddling before she was up and motoring.

You should have no problems mate. Best of luck.

Kintarō Hattori

OP if you happen to be out the Balbriggan area I'll gladly help you (2 bikes) if needed.

ciotog

There are a couple of people involved in the various cycling campaigns around the country who have qualified (in the UK) as cycling instructors. Depending on where you are that might be an option as well (e.g. there was training rolled out in co-operation with the Galway Chamber of Commerce here).