Learning to Ride as an Adult
At Bike New York, adult learners face nervousness and embarrassment while taking on cycling lessons. These free classes cater to a diverse group, with many participants being women.
Lauren Rosenfield reflects on the difficulties of learning to cycle and celebrates each successful attempt to get on the pedals at McCarren Park.
Facing Past Fears
Stephanie Yeh’s childhood experience with cycling left her shaken. At six years old, an accident with training wheels deterred her from biking for over three decades. Now, as an adult in her late 30s, she stands amongst other learners, ready to confront her fears.
Mother’s Day at McCarren Park was a unique occasion for Rimu Byadya. A mother of two, she decided to gift herself with the challenge of learning to cycle, fully expecting some falls.
Building Confidence
The attendees, including Ms. Yeh and Ms. Byadya, joined a group of approximately 15 adults for a ‘Learn to Ride’ session organized by Bike New York. Before them lay a row of bikes, ready for practice.
Sharing personal stories within the circle, Ms. Byadya revealed attempts by her husband and a colleague to teach her cycling – both attempts met with failure. Her anecdote resonated with many, uniting them in shared experiences.