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Can you ride a bike after 30 years?

Don't believe the naysayers: It's never too late. There's a common misconception that if you didn't learn how to ride a bike as a kid, you've missed your chance. But Marilyn Northcotte has been teaching adults how to ride for decades through a program called Pedal Ready in Wellington, New Zealand.

bicycling.com - Want to Learn How to Ride a Bike as an Adult? Follow These 6 Tips
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There’s a common misconception that if you didn’t learn how to ride a bike as a kid, you’ve missed your chance. But Marilyn Northcotte has been teaching adults how to ride for decades through a program called Pedal Ready in Wellington, New Zealand. The vast majority of her students (some as old as 69!) have mastered the art of riding. After all, learning to ride a bike as an adult is no harder than learning as a kid as long as you take the same step-by-step approach to the process—and push grown-up fear and nerves out of the way. All you need is a bike and a safe, wide-open place to practice, like an empty parking lot or park. Follow these steps below and you’ll to learn how to ride a bike in no time.

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Set up your bike

First make sure you can stand over your bike without the top tube pressing into you. (If you can’t, you’ll need to pick a smaller size. Remember, proper bike fit is important when possible.) Then lower the seat so you can sit on the saddle with your feet just resting on the ground. You should be able to reach the handlebars and brakes comfortably. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Practice getting on and off

To mount the bike, lean it toward you while applying the brakes so it doesn’t roll or wobble. Apply the brakes again when getting off the bike.

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Get used to braking

Braking is a crucial skill that Northcotte says will give you a lot of confidence starting out. Walk next to your bike and push it down the street while practicing pulling on the brakes to stop. Make sure you apply pressure evenly on both brakes.

Learn to glide

Now you’re ready to start moving. Northcotte teaches the basic “balance method,” which involves scooting on the bike with your feet, to adults as well as children.

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“Scooting along helps them to learn the feeling of balancing on two wheels,” she says. “The aim is to push off and get both their feet off the ground for as long as they can. If they need to put one foot down to correct their balance, then they put both down and start again. Once they can glide along without touching their feet down to correct themselves, they are ready to begin pedaling.” Practice your glide until you can keep your feet up for three seconds.

Hone your balance and vision

“Anything that involves balance is helpful and can be used as a point of reference,” Northcotte says. “For example, if you’ve ridden a scooter before with both feet on the platform, you should be able to balance on two wheels.” Look toward where you want to go, instead of focusing on obstacles to avoid. Keep your eyes up and always look ahead instead of down. It will help you maintain balance and follow your line of vision.

Get ready to pedal

Once you can maintain balance while gliding and have mastered braking and keeping your vision steady, you’re ready to pedal. Start with one foot on the ground and the opposite foot on a pedal in the two o’clock position to give you some momentum when you push off. Then push down on the pedal and add your other foot as you move forward. You’ll notice the faster you pedal, the easier it is to maintain your balance. Practice pedaling circles around the park or parking lot. Once you develop confidence, get off the bike and move your seat up so that your feet reach the pedals with only a very slight bend. Practice navigating cones or obstacles until you get the hang of it. You’re riding a bike!

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