It's harder for an adult to learn to ride a bike than it is to teach a child; where can you go to get adult bike-riding lessons?
It can be tricky for an adult cyclist to learn to ride a bike. Luckily, many of us had our first exposure to bicycles in childhood and – it's quite true – the skill comes back easily when you decide to try riding again.
There are many trained bike instructors across North America. In the U.S., they are most often accredited through a system called Effective Cycling. In Canada, the Canadian Cycling Association administers a similar program called Can-Bike. Most major cities and most states or provinces have cycling associations that can connect you with a reputable bike training program that fits your skill level, and they tend to be rather modestly priced.
These instructors are generally active cyclists – woman as well as men – who conduct both adult and children's courses at several levels through the cycling season. Although they have different skills and priorities, they all have one thing in common: they're not at all likely to make you feel embarrassed that you've come this far in life without becoming an expert cyclist. At the more advanced levels, these courses cover very sophisticated bike handling, traffic-manoeuvrng and trouble-avoiding techniques.
When I took my first Can-Bike course, I was almost 40 years old, and I sincerely wish I'd done it sooner. I had thought I was a pretty experienced rider, but the course actually changed my approach to city riding, giving me more confidence about my right to ride further out into the lane when I feel I need to do it for my own safety, for instance. John Forester, the creator of the Effective Cycling series has said that riding with a cycling club will teach you in two years the cycling skills that you would pick up on your own in about 20. I believe it.
Many cycling books suggest practicing in a parking lot. In theory, this sounds like a good idea. In practice, though, parking lots can be showcases for some of the most erratic car handling you'll ever see. Certainly young children should never be sent to practice in busy parking lots! However, a deserted lot, in the evening or on a day when businesses are closed, is okay.
Similarly, recreational bike trails can be chaotic, especially on weekends and holidays. Speedy expert cyclists, roller bladers, dogs on and off their leads, pedestrians and small children who may suddenly change direction are all distracting and hazardous for a new rider. For an adult rider, a quiet, one-way residential street may be far better. A university campus or an empty schoolyard may be other good choices.
Finally, adults shouldn't get into the habit of practicing on the sidewalk. First, because it's illegal in many places. Second, because sidewalks can be more dangerous than they seem: cars turning into driveways or exiting parking garages don't expect to find a bike in the way. Third, the sidewalk is the only place that's designed for pedestrians, and cyclists owe them as much respect as we hope to get from cars.
In my next piece, I'll discuss basic rules of the road.
