Basic Cycling Skills

Sitting comfortably?

When seated on the saddle you should be able to touch the ground with the tips of your shoes, or lower if that makes you feel more comfortable, and the handle bars should not be so far away you have to stretch out. Remember, sitting too low on a bike can be more uncomfortable than being too high, and reduces your efficiency. Saddles do take a while to get used to, so don’t be put off… 

Take charge!

All the controls - brakes and gears - should be within easy reach without moving your hands too much. As you pull the brakes your wrists should be straight, with thumbs behind the bars. 

Nice and smooth… 

Before moving off, check that both brakes work, and do not bind on the wheels, learn to use the controls gently and gradually, especially in slippery or wet conditions. Beware of loose gravel, ice or wet manhole covers . Make sure you understand how the gears (if you have them) work, and use them as they aid control. 

Get that rhythm…

Try to get into a smooth pedal rhythm, turning the pedals swiftly and smoothly. Try to keep the pedals turning at around 60-80 complete turns every minute: Humming a song such as “tea fortwo” helps, and pedal on the beat! 

Look ahead… 

Anticipation is all when cycling. Look ahead and adjust your speed to traffic and conditions to try not to come to a complete halt. If you do stop, try to practice putting your left foot down, with the right foot on the pedal, ready to push down. 

Remember, you’re a vehicle…

Try not to ride in the gutter, and keep about a half to one metre – a large pace – away from the kerb. This makes you more visible, and gives you space to move into if you need it. Be especially careful where the road becomes narrower between bollards or road islands. Give parked cars a wide berth to avoid being hit by an opening door.  

Further information: Please contact us for further information or an informal chat at trevor.lenthall@sutton.gov.uk or on 020 8770 6342

Further reading: Cyclecraft by John Franklin, £12.99 list price, www.tso.co.uk ISBN 0 11  7020516