Adults Learning to Ride: New York’s Free Bike Classes

Adult Riders Face Challenges

Bike New York offers free classes for adults. Many attendees feel nervous or embarrassed, especially women. Learning to ride can be daunting for those who never mastered it as children.

A Personal Story

Lauren Rosenfield recalls cheering for those learning to pedal at McCarren Park. Her story highlights the emotional hurdles involved in picking up biking later in life.

Stephanie Yeh’s Journey

Stephanie Yeh’s fear of biking started at age 6 after a fall with training wheels. For over 30 years, she avoided bikes altogether. Now in her late 30s, she joined the class on Mother’s Day, hoping to overcome her anxiety.

Celebrating Biking on Mother’s Day

Rimu Byadya, a mother of two, considered falling off a bike an empowering gift to herself. Her journey mirrors the determination of many adult learners in the class.

The Experience and Laughs

The class keeps a light atmosphere where students share stories and jokes. For many, previous attempts to learn from family have ended in frustration.

Bike riding students begin without pedals.

The class methodically approaches learning, starting without pedals to build confidence.