How do you teach an adult to ride a bike?

[lph]

I’ve taught inner city children and this method would work as well for an adult. Lowering the seat so they can put both feet flat on the ground helps to reduce the anxiety of falling while learning to balance on a bike going down a gentle grass slope with no obstacles. Add using the rear brake instead of foot friction with the ground for stopping. Add putting one foot then putting both on pedals and continue the coasting down a gentle slope using brake to stop. Add pedaling with more braking and a longer slope

Add starting from a standstill on flat ground using pedals and using a solid pedal stroke that keeps the bike steady until the second foot finds its pedal. Keep working on getting a smooth steady start until it’s consistent. Add how to use both brakes to stop and more info about just using front brake problems and less brake power with just rear brake. Add info about body position and smooth pedal stroke info for straight riding. As confidence and skill grows gradually increase speed. Add info about steering and turning: slowing down before entering a corner, a little leaning and very little steering and inside pedal up. Add info about gear changing and use. Most importantly add safety lessons: riding the same direction as traffic, looking carefully both ways when crossing a road, stop at stop signs, keep hands on handlebar, lights and reflective clothes at night, wearing a helmet etc.

I would add a maintenance class to empower them in taking care of their own bikes!

Hope this helps…

Thanks RebeccaC, this is just what I was looking for - where to start and how much to add at a time.Great tips!

[Sylvia]

This may be a little off topic particularly since it sounds like you already have your bikes, but have you considered teaching with a bike that has a gyroscopic wheel.
There is a company that has been producing a gyroscopic wheel for kid's bikes for a few years, but from their website it sounds like they are looking into creating an
adult's bike with a 26" wheel. See here.

To get an idea of what I'm talking about see this video.
I've not actually tried a bike like this, but I find the idea intriguing.

[DocZan89]

Great thread. Call me a bad mother...but I never insisted that my daughter learn to ride a bike when she would protest as a kid. Now at the age of 16, I would really like her to ride a bike and I think she wants to learn but is afraid to look stupid (seems to be a preoccupation for most teens). I am currently looking for a beginner bike for her and was just pondering this very question.

Thanks for the good ideas!

Rosanna

[lph]

I've been sent a great cue sheet for instructors, with a detailed sequence for learning basic skills. PM me if you'd like it!