1. Preparation

•Bike Fit: Ensure 1-2 inches of clearance between you and the top tube. Adjust seat height so

your knee is slightly bent at the pedal’s lowest point. Verify tire pressure (as marked on the tire).  

•Safety Gear: Wear a snug helmet covering your forehead, gloves, bright clothing, and reflectors/lights for low visibility.  

•Practice Area: Start on flat, open spaces (empty parking lots, quiet streets). Avoid hills or traffic.  

2. Core Skills  

•Balancing:  

  Push off with one foot to glide. Look ahead (not down), keep weight centered, and relax arms.  

  Use feet to stabilize wobbles. Lower the seat initially if needed.  

•Starting:  

Place one foot at 2 o’clock pedal position. Push down firmly while lifting the other foot onto its pedal.  

  Pedal in smooth circles (avoid stomping) and maintain steady speed.  

•Turning:  

  Look toward your direction. Lean gently into turns.  

  Practice wide curves before sharp turns. Avoid jerky handlebar movements.  

3. Safety Operations

•Braking:  

  Use both brakes: The *front brake* (70% stopping power) requires gradual pressure to prevent flipping. The *rear brake* is safer but less effective alone.  

  Lean back during hard braking.  

•Gears (if equipped):  

  Use low gears for hills/starts; high gears for flat/downhill speed.  

  Shift *before* inclines. Pedal lightly during shifts.  

4. Traffic Rules

Obey traffic laws: Ride with traffic, stop at signals, and signal turns.  

Ride predictably in straight lines. Watch for potholes, car doors, and pedestrians.  

• Hand Signals:  

  Left turn: Left arm straight out.  

  Right turn: Left arm bent upward (or right arm straight).  

  Stop: Left arm bent downward.  

5. Pro Tips  

✅ Stay relaxed: Tension makes balancing harder.  

✅ Safe falls: Step off or roll if losing balance—don’t stiffen.  

✅ Practice daily: Try grass/gravel to improve control.  

✅ Key mindset: Be patient, progress gradually, and enjoy!