High IQ Tips for 20-Somethings Learning How to Ride a Bike

You’re 25. You’ve got the world at your feet—or so you thought until you tried to ride a bike for the first time.

Balancing on two wheels feels like trying to juggle flaming chainsaws while blindfolded. Let me tell you, it’s not as easy as it looks, and you’re not alone in this.

But here’s the thing: you’re in your 20s, not 60. You can still learn, and probably with more grace than you think.

It’s just going to take a little (okay, maybe a lot) of practice. In the end, you’ll look back at this moment, laugh, and think, “How the hell did I let that one thing get to me?”

But don’t fret—I’m here with some straight-to-the-point, high-IQ advice to help you conquer this biking beast.

1. Don’t Overthink It, Just Ride It

You’re probably drowning in advice from every corner of the internet and your life. Don’t look down! Keep your posture!

Your knees should be straight! Do yourself a favor and ignore all that mental gymnastics.

Focus on the simple act: getting on the damn bike and pedaling. Seriously, start with something simple.

Forget physics for now. You’ll have time for angular momentum when you’re not face-planting into the grass.

Your brain isn’t going to learn the trick; your body is. So, just let it. It’s all muscle memory, not calculus.

2. Start Low, Go Slow

Sure, you could go all “alpha” and try to conquer the bike like a pro from day one, but that’s how you end up in the ER.

Lower that seat until you can touch the ground with both feet. You know that feeling of stability when you sit down on a chair?

That’s your starting point. Start with a low ride.

You’ll be able to scoot along and practice balance without worrying about falling off a cliff. When you can coast without feeling like you’re about to tip over, it’s time to raise that seat up.

3. The Magic of “Scooting”

Okay, hear me out. Forget the pedals for a moment. Focus on getting the feel of the bike by scooting. Scooting along the ground, feet on the floor, pushing yourself forward—it sounds childish, but it’s brilliant.

This is where the magic happens. You’ll start feeling the rhythm of the bike without worrying about balancing on the pedals.

Once you’re comfortable, you can start trying to glide for longer stretches. You’re building confidence, not just skill.

4. Look Where You Want to Go, Not at Your Wheels

You’re going to fall into the trap of watching your wheels as if they were the key to unlocking this puzzle. Stop it. Your bike’s wheels are following your gaze, so wherever you look, they’ll go. Look ahead—not down. The moment you start looking at the ground, you’ll lose your balance. Train your eyes to look ahead and trust your body. It’ll surprise you.

5. Don’t Be Afraid of Falling

You’re not going to stay upright forever. I mean, who are we kidding? You’re going to fall. But here’s the thing—falling isn’t failure. It’s just part of the process. Get a helmet, maybe some knee pads, and give yourself permission to wipe out. Because every time you do, you’re one step closer to getting it right. Like anything else, riding a bike is about falling, getting up, and doing it again. And again. And again.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice (In Low Traffic Areas)

You don’t need to start on busy streets or in traffic. No one’s impressed with your need to rush. Find a nice, quiet place to practice.

Parking lots, basketball courts, or even a field with no people in sight will do wonders. You need space to make mistakes.

You’ll soon learn how to steer, how to brake, and how to deal with unexpected bumps along the way. If you’re making mistakes, you’re doing it right. Keep going.

7. Get Someone to Help (It’s More Fun that Way)

Sure, you could do this on your own.

But why not make it a party? Get a friend who knows how to ride a bike to be your coach.

They’ll run alongside you, hold the back of the seat, or just give you a little push when you need it.

It helps to have someone there who’s not judging your inability to balance.

There’s a camaraderie in learning something new, and let’s face it, having someone to laugh with when you fall off makes the process less miserable.

Quick Summary:

Tip Number	Tip Description
1	Don’t overthink it—just ride.
2	Start low, go slow.
3	Scoot first, pedal later.
4	Look ahead, not at your wheels.
5	Don’t fear falling—it’s part of the process.
6	Practice in safe, quiet spaces.
7	Get a friend to help you learn.

So here’s the deal, my friend. You’re going to struggle. You’re going to feel like you’re never going to get it.

But you will. Eventually, you’ll be cruising down the street, and instead of thinking about how to stay balanced, you’ll be wondering if you should take a left or a right at the next intersection. It’s a beautiful feeling—like learning to walk, but with wheels.

Just remember, you’re never too old to learn. In fact, it’s kind of glorious that you’re pushing through, figuring this out now instead of waiting for the “right time.” There’s never a “right time.”

Go ahead, make a fool of yourself. Get back up. Keep pedaling. Because at the end of the day, life is about taking the damn bike out for a ride. Even if it’s a little wobbly at first.