Cycling basics

[Floh]

Good to hear you're on your way after your first lesson. doing it in stages like this will help you enormously, i'm sure.

has anyone advised you on what bike to get as the one you're using is clearly unsuitable?

i was thinking of advising you to use a quiet car park (all stores are closed where i live on a sunday), but i have no idea as to the legalities of doing so.

keep it up!

p.s. there's some very good advice to read over in this thread, btw.

 

[rubbershoes]

Does anyone know if its possible to get permission to practice in car parks? Id like to be able to go somewhere flat and quiet.

are ther no parks near you? grass is softer than tarmac

 

[Floh]

are ther no parks near you? grass is softer than tarmac

But i would think riding on grass would make it all a bit wobbly, no?

 

[Alf Klein]

Technically it's illegal to cycle on the pavement, but I don't think anyone is going to arrest you. I wouldn't worry about doing it if you find the roads a bit scary - just go slowly, and give way to pedestrians.

Ignor this advice. Don't cycle on the pavemet when there are pedestrians around. If the road is looking too dodgy and you have to go on the pavement, get off and push. It's a bit different if there are no pedestrians I suppose

Like someone else said, assume the worst about other road users. You only have to read the bad driving habits thread to see what you'll be up against.

 

[Callie]

To be fair Im a long way off using the roads and there will be training classes to teach me the basics of that when I need them. I was advised today NOT to cycle on the pavement as you can get fined and cause accidents, which is fair enough. Ill just have to take my time and stick to quiet roads when I get that far.

There is a park near by me but its not that big or quiet and I think id actually feel better cycling on smooth, flat surfaces. The trainers did say though that if I can master cycling on grass the tarmac will be a doddle!

The bike I have is second hand and belonged to a family member. I may have to get a new one as the problem with the saddle is that it is far too high for me even though my stepdad tried to get it lower....by hammering it down into the frame I don't think we'll be able to get it out.

I do hope to get my own new, shiny bike once Im more confident at riding so advice on what to get would be helpful, although the local bike shop should be able to help.

 

[Floh]

although the local bike shop should be able to help.

My goodness, but they'll be thrilled to help and will be rubbing their hands in anticipation -- so wait for advice from those who don't have a vested interest before you go shelling out, i say.

not that i'm castigating all bike shops, mind.

 

[rubbershoes]

I do hope to get my own new, shiny bike once Im more confident at riding

I'm selling one of my bikes at the moment. Full sus GT I-drive , Hope minis, top spec, SPDs etc. Only £600

It's perfect for, er, gentle pootling round town

 

[Callie]

Ill take two! is it shiny though? and preferably pink cos I wouldnt want anyone to nick it

 

[Floh]

How bicycling should be:

How it is for lucky me -- minus kiddie on the back!

http://www.bicyclegermany.com/german_laws.htm