Stop, start again: on a bike, you have to anticipate!

Knowing how to pedal also means knowing how to stop and start. Free Midday

Almost everyone knows how to pedal. More difficult is stopping your vehicle properly or starting after a brief stop, especially when driving in a city center. So, to avoid false starts and catastrophic braking, Le Nez dans le Handledon reminds you this week of some easy rules. Come on, saddle up!

Putting both feet on the ground at each stop may seem reassuring. But on a saddle at the right height, you will be on tiptoe, uncomfortable, unbalanced. This is normal. And having a saddle at the right height means limiting injuries.

You need to practice!

So how to avoid finding yourself in an unstable position at each stop ?
In the metropolis, you will find some supports installed at the traffic light, or a sidewalk, which will allow you to place your foot at a height, like a step stool. If this is not the case, here is the method:
You have to “go down” of the bike at each stop: after full braking, get off the saddle towards the front, to find yourself between the saddle and the handlebars, where the frame is lower.

Place your right or left foot first to stop. Practice with both feet! Then prepare one of the pedals at the top, and with your foot placed on it, press down and get back on the saddle without effort. Be comfortable on both legs.

In summary…

Come on, let's summarize: one, we anticipate stopping by returning to a suitable speed to start again (in first or second); two, we put one of the pedals down and rest on it, we release the other foot from the high pedal, ready to be placed on the ground; three and once almost at a standstill, you place your freed foot on the ground and get out of the saddle (from the front!); four, we wait with both feet on the ground, forearms resting on the handlebars (it’s very relaxing!); five, we then prepare one of the pedals ready to go again, three-quarters of the way up and finally, six and when starting, we stand on this pedal to get back in the saddle.

And there you know everything! And above all, practice right foot/left foot! Oh and also, to climb on the bike, tilt it towards you, this will make it easier to climb over…

Section produced with Le Criquet de Talus velociste at 3, rue Lunraret in Montpellier.