How to Move From a Standing Start on a Bicycle

Cruising around on your bike is one childhood activity we take with us into adulthood. The old axiom says that once you learn to ride a bicycle you never forget how to do it. If you're new to biking or even if it's been a while since you rode a bike, the first push of the pedal is often the most difficult part to get the hang of.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Buy or borrow a smaller bicycle to learn how to pedal. Choose a bicycle with an adjustable seat if a small bike is unavailable. Sit on the bike seat and see if your feet reach the ground. Choose a bike that allows you to sit on the seat with your feet on the ground. This is the perfect size to learn how to pedal. Adjust the seat on a larger bike so you can sit on it with your feet flat on the ground.

2. Pedal backward until your right bicycle pedal is almost vertical. Bend your right knee so the bike pedal is directly under your right foot. Walk a bicycle without hand breaks by manually moving the pedals until they are in the correct position.

3. Sit on the bicycle seat and push on the raised pedal. Lift your left foot as your right foot puts pressure on the pedal. Put your left foot on the left pedal and push it forward as it rotates. Drop both feet to the ground if you lose confidence pedaling. Practice pedaling on a soft surface.

4. Get on your bicycle but do not sit. Position the pedals as you did in Step 2. Lift your knee and place your right foot on the pedal. Push on the pedal and lift your rear onto the seat at the same time. Glide until your left foot can exert pressure on the left pedal. Practice pedaling from a standing start on a small bike until you gain confidence. Adjust your seat or have a bike properly fitted for you once you master this basic biking skill.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are left-handed, start with the left pedal.
• Do not bicycle without wearing a helmet.

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