Five Easy Steps to Riding a Bicycle Warning: (Please carefully read all five steps before attempting to ride a bicycle) When you have a bicycle in your possession, take it to a secluded area where there won’t bemany bystanders. Put one leg over the bike, making sure that the pointed end of the seat is facing in the same direction that you are. Firmly plant both feet on the ground and put your hands on the rubber grips located in front of you at the ends the handlebar. Slightly lean the bicycle approximately five degrees to one side. If the bike is leaning towards the left, then place your right foot on the right pedal, and vise versa Once your foot is on the pedal, use the other foot to push off. When done properly, you will thrust forward and roll at a calm and steady pace. While you and the bike are moving forward and you are comfortable, place both feet on the pedals and apply pressure to one pedal at a time. This will cause your feet to move in a circular motion. Keep in mind that the pedals control your acceleration and the bike only goes as fast as you allow it to. Stopping is the easiest and last step in learning how to ride a bicycle. When you want to slow the bike down, or come to a complete stop, squeeze the lever located on the left side of the handlebar. The harder you squeeze it, the harder and faster you will decelerate. If you hold it long enough, you will come to a complete stop. If this does not work, or if you are riding a bike that does not have a brake lever, then attempt to pedal backwards. When you are almost completely stopped, take your feet off of the pedals, leaving them a few inches from the ground. Once you are stopped, immediately put your feet on the ground.