Learn to Cycle with Sir Chris Hoy
Why it’s never too late to learn to ride a bike
Learning to ride a bike and learning to swim are milestones that for many go hand in hand with learning to walk and talk. However, reaching this milestone can often happen a lot later in life and, whilst we often hear the term ‘it’s like riding a bike’, more often than not learning to ride a bike can seem quite challenging the older you get! Getting into something, perhaps a touch later than usual, can be tough but it can also end up being the longest lasting passion or hobby.
With Spring now here and the promise of holidays and longer, sun filled days once again, lots of us will be back out on our bikes. Cycling has so many benefits, from being a convenient way to travel and explore, to a great form of aerobic exercise, an opportunity to have fun with friends and family and, of course, helping the environment.
There are many reasons why some children will not have had the opportunity to learn to ride when little, whether that be personal circumstance, environment or maybe that their family have just never been into bikes. But it is never too late to learn. You may be surprised to hear how many people this applies to and the number of adults that have never learnt. No one should feel anxious about not having the ability to ride a bike but there is also no reason why you can’t learn.
So we asked six-time Olympic Champion Sir Chris Hoy, Author and founder of Hoy Bikes, for his top tips on learning to ride – no matter what age you are.
Tip 1
Learning to ride a bike is all about balance. This is why I will always promote balance bikes for little children and not stabilisers. So my big tip if you are learning to ride a bike for the first time is to simply remove the pedals and turn your bike into a balance bike, no matter what size it is. You can learn to balance on the bike in your own time, at your own pace with your feet on the floor, before taking your legs up and freewheeling. Once you feel comfortable, have your balance and have built your confidence, you can put the pedals back on and you will find it’s suddenly far easier to pedal.
Tip 2
Invest in a bike that is lightweight. The heavier your bike is, the harder you will find it to balance and control. But you don’t need to spend a fortune; my first bike was a second hand one and I loved it. These days you can pick up a good quality second hand bike easily.
Tip 3
Don’t feel pressured. This is your journey and you will learn in your own time. Learning to ride is all about confidence and, trust me, once you have the confidence, you will really enjoy the freedom riding a bike brings you. So take your time, find somewhere quiet – whether that’s in your garden, in a quiet street or the corner of the park – and give it a go!
Tip 4
Always wear a helmet and be safe – once you are up and peddling make sure you know the rules of the road, are well lit up if cycling at night and – if out cycling alone or with friends – that a parent or guardian knows where you are and what time you will be back. Enjoy!”
So, what are you waiting for?! With the Easter holidays in sight, now is the perfect time to master the art of cycling and see what fun you’ve been missing out on. Before you know it, you can be out on the road heading off on adventures with your family and friends.
