How do you teach an adult to ride a bike?

[lph]

Whoo! Just back from the first class. Wow. People all over the place, grinning, coasting, slightly terrified, all of them pushing their limits like crazy. We 3 instructors had very little time to prepare ourselves, so we had to just jump in. As the one with the biggest mouth and loudest voice I got to do the start-up talking. We did a few basic things like talk about what the various parts are called, wheel the bikes around, try to feel their balance point etc. Then we started on coasting exercises, and suddenly people were all over the place and we spent the next 45 minutes running after them like sheepdogs

It was great fun, but we do have a problem with too many people and too few bikes. The problem was that there are people on waiting lists, and several who just turned up hoping there would be room for them, but by the time the course started about 5 of the ones who HAD signed up weren't there, so we let the others join in. Then the remaining 5 turned up of course.

No language problems, no difficult clothing, apart from one thick long felt coat. I helped some of the more timid ones by balancing the bike for them so that they could try pedalling properly. They were thrilled beyond belief, but I can see that I can't do that much as it quickly gives over-confidence.

Next time we'll have to split up in smaller groups, and practice in a more structured way. WE also have problems with some of the bikes being too large. But we'll have to just give them to the ones who are already cycling alone, but who need to practice gearing, turning etc. and letting the newbies have the smallest bikes.

[rebeccaC]

Whoo! Just back from the first class.

glad it was fun for you!!!!

[lph]

Ooof, a bit frustrated now. It's not because we're not making progress - we are, many of them have now transitioned to using both feet on the pedals, if only for two or three revolutions. But it feels like I don't know how to instruct, what tips to give. I don't know what the barriers are and I don't know how to help. I have the suspicion that this comes with trying to teach adults. I think they basically have to teach themselves, and all we can do is try to give various ideas and examples. The ones who have progressed are the ones who have just tried and tried and tried.

We have two or three who are struggling with basic balance on a bike after three sessions, and even when we give them the smallest bikes they feel unsure because they are quite short themselves. And they feel very insecure at speed, coasting or with an instructor supporting the bike, which makes it harder for them to practice alone, as you really can't pedal a bike at walking speed until you're proficient.

Urk. Not feeling like a very good instructor at the moment.