Step 3: Pedal, start and stop

Part of: Learn to cycle in 5 steps · Step 3

Now that you can glide, adding pedals is easy. This is Step 3 of “Learn to cycle in 5 steps”. If you took the pedals off for Step 2, put them back on and check they are tight.

Starting

Cycling UK’s method for starting is simple and works well:

1. Hold both brakes and put your stronger foot on a pedal, raised to about the two o’clock position.
2. Look ahead, not at your feet. Keep your back straight.
3. Push down on the raised pedal while pushing off the ground with your other foot.
4. Place your second foot on the other pedal as soon as you are moving.
5. Pedal smoothly and keep your eyes up.

If you are teaching someone, you can give a gentle push for momentum, stay close in case they wobble, and remind them to keep their brakes covered all the time.

Keeping going

• Pedal in smooth, round circles. Do not stamp.
• Keep your fingers over the brake levers, ready.
• If you wobble, keep pedalling gently. Stopping pedalling often makes it worse.
• Look far ahead. The bicycle goes where your eyes go.

Stopping

1. Look ahead and plan to stop early, not at the last second.
2. Squeeze both brake levers gently and together.
3. When you are almost stopped, put one foot down on the ground.
4. Lean a little towards the foot that is on the ground, and put the other foot down.

Practise these drills

• Start and stop ten times in a row.
• Ride a straight line for 20 metres.
• Practise starting with either foot.
• Ride a figure of 8, wide and slow, then a little tighter.
• Ride at a steady walking pace, then slightly faster, then stop.

Next step

When starting, pedalling and stopping feel natural, move on to Step 4: turning, looking behind and riding straight.