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Amanda Foster — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor
Approved Guide

How to Handle Teach an Adult to Ride a Bike Step by Step

When teach an adult to ride a bike leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

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1

Adjust the bike seat so the rider can put their feet on the ground.

Adjust the bike seat so the rider can put their feet on the ground.
A bike must be the correct size for the rider, or they will have difficulties learning how to ride. Tell the rider to sit on the bike and put their feet on the ground. You can lower the seat, if necessary. If the seat is as low as it can go and their feet still don’t touch the ground, they need a smaller bike.
  • A bike must be the correct size for the rider, or they will have difficulties learning how to ride.
  • Tell the rider to sit on the bike and put their feet on the ground.
  • You can lower the seat, if necessary.
  • If the seat is as low as it can go and their feet still don’t touch the ground, they need a smaller bike.
  • A bike must be the correct size for the rider, or they will have difficulties learning how to ride.
2

Instruct the rider to practice getting on and off the bike.

Instruct the rider to practice getting on and off the bike.
To help the rider feel comfortable on the bike, they’ll need to practice getting on and off of it. Tell the rider to apply the brakes when getting on and off the bike to minimize rolling or wobbling. To get on the bike, the rider should lean the bike toward them and swing their leg over the saddle. To get off the bike, the rider should lean the bike to one side and swing their opposite leg over the saddle.
  • To help the rider feel comfortable on the bike, they’ll need to practice getting on and off of it.
  • Tell the rider to apply the brakes when getting on and off the bike to minimize rolling or wobbling.
  • To get on the bike, the rider should lean the bike toward them and swing their leg over the saddle.
  • To get off the bike, the rider should lean the bike to one side and swing their opposite leg over the saddle.
  • To help the rider feel comfortable on the bike, they’ll need to practice getting on and off of it.

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