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From: diego@cca.UUCP (Diego Gonzalez)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: teaching an adult to ride
Message-ID: <3334@cca.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 16-Jul-85 11:31:25 EDT
Article-I.D.: cca.3334
Posted: Tue Jul 16 11:31:25 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 19-Aug-85 23:16:59 EDT
References: <9026@ucbvax.ARPA>
Organization: Computer Corp. of America, Cambridge
Lines: 23

These are not words of experience.  I have never instructed another
person to ride a bicycle.  However, I have given some thought to how it
might be done.

I would protect the student.  Helmet and elbow and knee pads would be
ideal.  Then I would use a one- or three-speed bicycle on the smallish
side.  The idea of a mountain bike seems also to be a reasonable one.

For a practice area, I think a grassy park or playing field where there
were not too many people, shrubs, or other potential obstructions.  And
flat; a level area is crucial.  See, I believe that in our youths we had
essentially no fear.  We learned to ride on sidewalks, lawns, driveways,
whatever surface was at hand.  We fell and took our scrapes and bruises.
In the process, we gained confidence and almost instinctive riding
skills and balance.

So for an older child or an adult who has never had opportunity to learn
to ride a bike, it is important to assure them as much as possible that
they will not be seriously injured.  Their sense of fear is likely to be
greater than that of a young child.  If they begin on a softer, larger,
flatter riding area, they will be able to concentrate more on the
techniques of balance, steering, and braking.  Good luck.