Everything you need to get started with cycling
For many people, cycling is something they learned to do as a child, but have stopped taking part in throughout their adulthood. We think this is a huge shame, because cycling is definitely not just for kids, and in fact has a huge range of benefits for the adult cyclist to enjoy. Cycling is an absolutely brilliant way to make sure you are getting enough exercise every week, and comes with a variety of impressive health benefits when it is done in the long term.
Whether you loved cycling as a child, or have never been in the saddle before, cycling is for you. If you are out of practice or need to learn how to ride a bike from scratch, things can feel quite daunting. The best advice we can give to those who are unsure about whether they will be able to cycle is this: cycling is something that is best learned just by doing it, so give it a go! It is actually pretty easy to learn or to brush up on your proficiency.
Many adults will be able to learn how to cycle with just a few short practice sessions, and will find that their skills grow very quickly, which is highly satisfying and confidence boosting. To make your first ever foray (or your first as an adult) into cycling, you should make some time to get your practice sessions in before attempting to cycle on the road.
Choose the best helmet you can afford - and make sure it fits!
First things first, you should always make sure you are wearing a helmet every time you ride your bike. It doesn’t matter if you are on private property without the risks of other traffic, head injuries are very common among cyclists, and if you are not confident in your skills you can expect to take a tumble at least once. It is much better to always be protected when riding a bike, as head injuries can be very serious and life threatening.
Cycle helmets are designed to absorb the impact caused to your head during a fall or collision. It is common to see helmets crack or become seriously damaged following an impact, and this does not mean the helmet was insufficient - it usually means that the helmet bore the brunt of the injury instead of the person’s skull! They protect the head and forehead, and really can mean the difference between life and death if you are in an unlucky scenario on your bike.
Some helmets cover the entire head and face, and these are popular among mountain bikers and BMX riders, though most simply protect your head and forehead. These are much more commonly worn by road cyclists and those who prefer gentle cycle paths as they are lightweight and breathable.
Choose your bike
Many cyclists love getting outdoors on their bike, though there is also the option to choose a cycle trainer to use indoors. There are also many different kinds of outdoor bike, so the kind of bike you choose will depend on your personal preferences. If you intend to commute on your bike then you might want to choose a road bike with large, narrow tyres, and if you know you will be mainly using paths and more rugged terrain then a mountain bike might be more suitable. If you are unsure then you may be pleased to know that there are hybrid bikes which are capable of handling road cycling as well as lighter trails in comfort.
Find somewhere safe to practice
Even if it is just your driveway, the best place to practice riding a bike if you are new to it or haven’t done it in a long time is somewhere you know will be free from traffic. You are more likely to come off your bike when you are first learning to ride, so make sure you are able to control the bike and stay upright before using populated public areas. You also need to become proficient in using your brakes properly, so make sure you know how they work and how they should be applied to bring the bike to a safe stop.