We’ve all heard the old adage that “you don’t learn cycling by reading a book.” That is, you need to actually go out and ride a bike before you can really understand how to do it. And that’s just how it goes when you’re learning something new. The same is true with cycling—you can read a book about it, but until you’ve done it, you won’t truly understand the principles involved. In this post, we’ll cover seven tips that will help you get started in the world of cycling.
1. Protect your head:
Head protection is absolutely essential for cycling. While riding a bike, you’re going to be hit by things all the time—cars, potholes, road debris, etc. A helmet is the best way to protect yourself from these things. You’ll have a much better chance of avoiding injury or even death if you wear one.
2. Learn to ride in the right gear:
It’s important to know which gear is right for you. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to start out with a road bike, which is geared for speed. However, if you’re an intermediate rider, you’ll probably want to start out on a hybrid bike, which is geared for comfort and efficiency. If you’re a more advanced rider, you might want to try a mountain bike, which is geared for speed and rugged terrain.
3. Learn the rules of the road:
All cyclists need to know the rules of the road, but they’re especially important for beginners. You’ll want to learn the basic rules of the road—how to yield to traffic, how to signal, how to ride in the correct lane, etc. You’ll also want to learn about the proper way to ride in a bike lane or other marked bike path.
4. Learn how to ride in traffic:
While riding in traffic can be a lot of fun, it can also be a lot of work. You’ll need to learn how to ride safely around other vehicles, and you’ll need to know how to stay out of the way of cars that are coming toward you.
5. Learn how to ride in the rain:
The weather can really affect your ability to ride. If it’s raining, it’s going to be much harder to keep your balance and pedal properly. That’s why you’ll want to make sure that you have the right equipment for the conditions.
6. Learn how to ride with other cyclists:
When you’re riding with other cyclists, it can be a lot of fun. However, you’ll also need to know how to behave around them. You’ll want to stay out of their way, and you’ll want to be courteous if they’re riding next to you.
7. Learn how to ride with your kids:
Riding a bike with your kids is a lot of fun. It’s also important to make sure that they’re safe while you’re riding.
