Starting, Stopping, and Shifting

Starting, stopping, and shifting are important skills to master to ride confidently and safely. Most bikes have gears that help a rider keep their pedaling smooth and consistent, whether going uphill or downhill. Here are a few key tips to remember when beginning, ending or shifting gears during your ride.

Puedes encontrar este video en español aquí: https://youtu.be/jqD6JyYHS9E

STEPS TO STARTING YOUR BIKE

• Stand ahead of the seat
• Place one pedal in an upright position
• Push the pedal down and ease yourself onto the seat
• Place the other foot on the opposite pedal

STEPS TO STOPPING YOUR BIKE

• Stop pedaling
• Shift your weight to the pedal that is in the down position
• Squeeze both brakes equally
• Slide off the seat
• Place one foot on the ground
• Try to keep the chain in a straight line. If it’s not, you should be able to hear it.

Most bikes have gears. They help make your pedaling consistent whether you are going uphill or down.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GEARS.

• When it is getting harder to pedal, shift into an easier, lower gear. Each revolution will propel the bike a short distance, but it will take less effort to push the pedals.
• When it’s getting easier to pedal, you’ll want to be in a harder, higher gear. Each revolution will propel the bike a long distance, but the effort is very high.
• On flat ground, you’ll want to be in the middle of your range of gears.

For best results, the chain needs to be in a generally straight line. If the chain isn’t in a straight line, you should be able to hear it.