How to Ride a Tandem Bike

Riding a tandem bicycle is a great two person form of exercise. Tandem bicycling takes a little practice and technique to pedal and balance in unison.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a partner.

2. Make the larger person ride in front to begin.

3. Start on a flat or slightly downhill road in an easy gear.

4. Have the front rider step over the frame and put the right foot on the pedal. Now the rider will be balanced on the left foot.

5. Have the rear rider climb aboard the back and place both feet on hte pedals while the front rider balances the bike.

6. Keep in mind that the front person is in charge of steering and braking.

7. Count to three aloud, push off and start pedalling.

8. Relax once you have started and get a feel for the rythm of the tandem. Work together instead of fighting eachother.

9. Stop by having the front rider put her right foot down and balancing. Now the rear rider can hop off safely.

Tips & Warnings

• Communicate with eachother. For example, if the front rider sees a pothole, yell "bump" so that the back rider can brace.
• If you feel that your partner is a stronger rider than you, hop aboard the back. That way you can slyly pull both feet off the pedal and take a break while no one is looking.

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on 11/22/2005 Another way some tandem bicycle riders get onto their tandem bicycles is by stepping onto the left pedal with their left foot, pushing off on the ground with their right foot, then as the bicycle starts moving, they swing their right leg over and hop onto the bicycle seat.