Step 1: Meet your bicycle (parts, size and clothing)

Part of: Learn to cycle in 5 steps · Step 1

The first lesson does not involve any riding. Spend your first session getting to know the machine, because a rider who understands the bicycle is calmer and learns faster. This is Step 1 of our five-step series “Learn to cycle in 5 steps”.

Choose a safe place

Cycling UK recommends a smooth, flat, paved surface or firm ground with no traffic, such as a park, a closed ground or an empty car park, and ideally not many onlookers. Avoid soft sand, deep mud, loose gravel and slopes for now.

The parts you need to know

• Handlebar: steers the bicycle. Keep it straight and do not lean your weight on it.
• Brake levers: one controls the front wheel and one the back wheel. Check which is which on your bicycle by walking it forward and squeezing each one.
• Saddle: your seat. Its height can be changed with a clamp or a quick-release lever.
• Pedals and cranks: turn your leg power into movement.
• Chain and gears: pass that power to the back wheel.
• Tyres: your only contact with the road. Firm tyres roll easily and are safer.
• Bell and lights: let people hear and see you.

Check the size

Stand over the frame with both feet flat on the ground. You should have a clear gap of a few centimetres between you and the top bar. If the frame touches you, the bicycle is too big for you. You should also be able to sit on the saddle and still reach the brake levers comfortably.

Set the saddle low for now

Cycling UK advises that while learning, the saddle should be low enough that you can sit on it and put both feet flat on the ground. A low saddle lets you stop instantly and builds confidence. You will raise it later, once you are pedalling (see our article on setting your saddle height).

Dress safely

• Wear sturdy, closed shoes with a flat sole. Avoid sandals that slip.
• Nothing should be able to catch in the chain or wheels. Tuck in or pin a dupatta, scarf or shawl, and avoid long, loose hems. Tie long hair back.
• Wear a helmet that fits (see our helmet article).
• Wear clothes you can move freely in, and carry water.

Practise getting on, off and walking

1. Stand beside the bicycle and hold both brakes.
2. Swing your leg over the saddle, or step through the frame if it has a low frame.
3. Get off and walk the bicycle forward, squeezing the brakes gently to stop. Look ahead, not down.
4. Repeat until it feels natural.

Next step

When you are comfortable, go on to Step 2: learn balance without pedals.