The basics:

Getting to grips with your brakes

Understand how your brakes work, by walking with your bicycle at first.

The back brake is usually operated by the left hand.

The front brake has the most stopping power and is usually operated by the right hand.

Brake when your bicycle is upright and travelling in a straight line. The easiest braking method is to squeeze both the rear and front brake levers together, steadily and evenly, to come to a controlled stop. This will help you avoid skidding.

If brake levers are pressed sharply and separately:

The rear brake can make the bicycle skid

The front brake can make the rider go over the handlebars

If you start to skid, release the brakes and apply them again steadily and evenly.

The Starting Position

Always get on and off your bike on the left (the kerb side).

Hold on to the handlebars with both brakes on.

With your left foot on the ground, lean the bike towards you as you lift your right leg over the frame.

Put the right pedal in the “2 o clock” position. This will give you the power and balance needed to set off.

Always look over your right shoulder to check what is going on behind you before you move off.

This is called ‘The Life Saver’.

Once you set off, sit on the saddle.

Practice good balance without wobbling

You may like to “push” with both feet as you sit on a slightly lowered saddle to help to gain confidence and a sense of balance as you learn to cycle.

Scooting: Another way of learning to balance is to sit on the saddle, put your right foot on the pedal and use your left foot for scooting.

Small steering movements will help you to remain upright.

A friend can help you by:

Holding the saddle as you start off

Standing behind, or beside you and giving you a gentle push forward to get you started.

Riding Position

Always sit on the saddle. To keep full control, keep both hands on the handlebar grips so that fingers can reach each brake lever easily and quickly.

Pedal Power

Always push the pedals with the balls of your feet. This will give you more control and pedal power.

Stopping in an emergency

Practise emergency stops in a quiet area. Learn how to brake quickly and evenly without skidding or losing control of the bicycle.