There are a number of ways to safely get off your bike. Here are some recommended methods to start with.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Basic Procedure
Step 1. From a seated position, with the pedal to the side, lean forward to stand up while lifting your butt off the saddle
(This is the most important step. If you remain seated, it will be more difficult to control your bike once it is stopped).
Step 2. Slow the bike to a near stop, making sure to keep your balance
Use your body instead of the handlebars.
Step 3. Take your highest foot off the pedal
Step 4. When the bike comes to a complete stop, lean it slightly to the side with your lowered foot
Step 5. Put your foot on the floor
Step 6. Take the other foot off the pedal and put it on the ground
Step 7. Lean the bike slightly and put your leg over the seat or frame if it has a women's frame
Step 8. Put the other foot on the ground
Method 2 of 4: Beginner Procedure
Step 1. While riding the bike, swing one leg over the frame and onto the other pedal quickly
Step 2. In one swift movement, “drop” the bike and use the frame to launch yourself forward
Step 3. Land safely and retrieve the bike
Method 3 of 4: "Flight Forward" Procedure
Step 1. Speed up a bit ahead of time
Step 2. Roll without pedaling (stop pedaling and allow the bike to keep moving) when you are a few meters from your destination
Step 3. When you are within one meter, GENTLY press the rear brake
The bike should start to skid.
Step 4. SLOWLY lower your feet off the pedals and place them firmly on the ground BEFORE the bike stops moving
You must stop somewhat abruptly.
Step 5. Get up
Put your leg over the bike and walk to a perfect place to park it.
Method 4 of 4: Height Procedure
Step 1. Pass one leg (usually the right one, but it may be whichever you prefer) behind the saddle of the bike while it is still in motion
Note: If you have stirrups, be sure to unhook the pedal from them. If you forget, you will literally crash into the ground when your passing leg touches the ground to stop.
Step 2. Roll without pedaling with both legs on the same side of the bike, with one foot on the pedal and the other right behind
Balance with your body instead of the handlebars.
Step 3. Once the bike has come to a complete stop, get off
Advice
- For many beginning cyclists it can be uncomfortable to get up on a pedal. The sitting position can seem much safer, because the center of gravity is lower. However, stopping while sitting can be tricky. If the saddle height is correctly adjusted (you can touch the ground with only your toes), you will have to tilt the bike to one side to be able to use your full foot. This will most likely cause the bike to tip over to the side (possibly with your leg underneath) and injure you.
- It may be a good start to lower the saddle so that you can put your whole foot down while sitting. This will reduce the fear of falling. However, once you gain experience, raise the saddle so that you can only touch the ground with your toes.
- When you start practicing the second method, do it on a soft surface in case you fall. This is the preferred method for children and adolescents, although adults can also do it.
- Make sure the saddle is at the correct height. Otherwise, you can scratch or bruise yourself.