You’ve heard the phrase, “It’s as easy as riding a bike.” But what if you never learned? That saying can suddenly feel very intimidating. I didn’t start learning how to ride a bike until my late 20s, and it kept me from fully participating in the same activities as my peers. Group rides, cycling tours, even casual weekend outings — I sat them out.
I used to joke, “Unlike all the kids who fell off their bikes and got back on, I just… never got on in the first place.” What started as a small gap in my childhood experience slowly became a bigger deal in my mind. The longer I waited, the more embarrassed and anxious I became. I worried about falling. I worried about looking foolish. But above all, I was afraid to admit it. Then I finally told someone. And to my surprise, they had learned to cycle as an adult too!
The more I shared, the more I discovered I wasn’t alone. Working in sustainable transportation, I realized how many assumptions we make about mobility and who has access to certain skills. In this post, I’ll share three common myths about learning to cycle as an adult and how I overcame them, alongside practical tips that helped me along the way.
Myth 1: “I’ll Look Silly — Adults Shouldn’t Fail”
As adults, we’re expected to know things, or at least pretend like we do. Learning to ride a bike forced me to get comfortable with not knowing, and even more so, with failing. It had been a long time since I tried something so physically new and vulnerable. At first, I was terrified of falling or making mistakes. But my instructor helped me shift my mindset. They taught me that I was in control — not the bike. For instance, learning how to safely dismount when I felt off-balance helped me realize I wasn’t helpless. Once I let go of the fear of failure, everything got easier. Falling wasn’t a failure; it was part of learning. Think of it like going to the gym. The first time, you feel your weakest, but that’s actually the moment you start getting stronger. Cycling is no different!
Myth 2: “I’m the Only Adult Who Doesn’t Know”
This one hits hard because it’s simply not true. So many adults either never learned to cycle or haven’t ridden in years (or decades!). In fact, there’s a difference between knowing how to ride and being able to ride confidently. Just because someone rode as a kid doesn’t mean they’re ready to hop on a bike and cruise through city traffic. When I opened up about my experience, I found others who were in the same boat, including my colleague. We decided to take paid cycling lessons together. She had learned as a child but hadn’t ridden in ages; I had never learned. We laughed, stumbled, cheered each other on, and even bonded in the process. If you can, find a cycling buddy whether that’s someone learning with you, or someone who can be your personal cheerleader. And if you can’t find anyone? Go solo!
Myth 3: “It’s Too Late — I Missed the Right Time”
The “perfect time” is a myth. I put off cycling lessons for years with every excuse in the book: “What if I fall and get hurt?”, “I have other important plans coming up”, “It’s too hot right now.” The list goes on and on! Sounds familiar? The truth is you just need to find the right conditions for you. My first attempt was on one of the hottest days of the year, and I lasted barely 30 minutes before the heat overwhelmed me. I was also worried the entire time about falling as we practiced in a courtyard with uneven ground. This experience was tough and a major blow to my confidence. Truthfully, I didn’t get on a bike for a while after that. I vowed to do better!
The next time I planned my cycling lessons keeping in mind my comfort zone. I picked a cooler day in May and scheduled lessons for the afternoon — after I’d eaten and settled into the day. I also found an area with astroturf, which greatly reduced my fear of hurting myself. Look around your city; there are many free spots that might be suitable for your needs. Your journey doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s timeline. Set yourself up for success by choosing the weather, time, and pace that works for you.
Bonus Tip: Find the Learning Style That Fits You
Learning to cycle with a friend was a great start, but I eventually found that one-on-one lessons suited me better. With personalized instruction, I could move at my own pace and try new techniques without feeling self-conscious. Some people thrive in group classes; others need solo sessions. Getting yourself ready for lessons by watching videos and reading blog posts can make things feel less foreign. For example, even knowing what the ABCs in the ABC Cycling check stood for when my instructor asked made me feel knowledgeable and ready. These are the videos and tutorials I browsed in preparation: Getting Started with Cycling: Video Series and 6 Tips for Keeping Your Bicycle in Check. A super-secret bonus tip: Consider checking out cycling content for kids; the video and reading materials are a lot easier to keep up with.
Learning to ride a bike as an adult can feel intimidating, but it’s also empowering. You’ll challenge old fears, build new skills, and maybe even make new friends. Most of all, you’ll prove to yourself that it’s never too late to start. You’ve got this!
