Lots of adults never learned to ride a bike. Maybe there wasn't a bike at home, maybe there was nowhere safe to ride, or maybe it just never happened. Whatever the reason, it's never too late, and adults usually learn faster than they expect.
How adults learn to ride
The old way was a parent running behind holding the saddle. The way that works far better, for adults and children, is to learn balance first and pedalling second.
- Balance. With the saddle low enough to put both feet flat on the ground, you scoot along and glide. Once you can glide for a few seconds, the hardest part is done.
- Steering and stopping. Gentle turns, looking where you want to go, and using the brakes smoothly.
- Pedalling. Starting from a push-off, getting your feet onto the pedals and keeping going.
- Confidence. Starting and stopping on demand, riding one-handed for a moment, looking behind you, riding slowly in control.
What a first session looks like
Somewhere flat, quiet and off-road, such as a park path or an empty car park. A bike that fits, with the saddle lowered. A helmet, comfortable clothes and flat shoes. No pressure and no audience. Most people are gliding within the first session, and many are pedalling by the end of it.
Learning with us
We teach adults and children to ride from scratch, one to one and off-road, from first balance to riding with confidence. Our coaches are British Cycling qualified, DBS checked and insured, and patient. Read more about our skills sessions, or message us to ask about learning to ride.
Riding on the road
Once you can ride confidently, the next step is riding in traffic. We don't cover that, and you don't need to pay for it: Transport for London and most London boroughs fund free cycle training for adults, including one-to-one sessions on local roads. Search your council's website for "cycle training".
Tips for getting started
- Borrow or hire before you buy. Many boroughs and charities lend bikes.
- Choose a bike you can stand over comfortably, with the saddle low at first.
- Practise little and often: 30 minutes, three times a week, beats one long session.
- Celebrate the small wins. The first glide is a big one.
Saddle up.
