Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site cca.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!cca!diego 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.