Adult Learners Tackle Cycling at Free Classes

Adult Learners Face Cycling Challenges

Bike New York offers free cycling classes for adults, attracting many novices. These new riders usually feel anxious and embarrassed, a sentiment shared by many women. Lauren Rosenfield, a seasoned volunteer, remembers the difficulty of learning to ride and applauds whenever someone manages to pedal successfully at McCarren Park.

Past Cycling Trauma

At six years old, Stephanie Yeh experienced a terrifying incident while cycling downhill near her North Carolina home. After flying over her handlebars trying to brake, she narrowly avoided a car. This traumatic event led to a 30-year hiatus from biking.

Mother’s Day Challenge

On Mother’s Day, Ms. Yeh joined a group of about 15 adults near McCarren Park’s dog run and tennis courts on Williamsburg-Greenpoint border. Among them was Rimu Byadya, a mother of two, who decided that day to gift herself the experience of potentially falling off a bike. Both Yeh and the group prepared for the “Learn to Ride” class organized by the nonprofit Bike New York, helmets strapped tight, eyes fixed on the awaiting bikes.

Shared Experiences in Learning

When Ms. Byadya, aged 35, revealed her unsuccessful attempts at learning from both her husband and colleague, the group responded with a knowing laugh. Bike riding students start without pedals, gradually build confidence, and eventually learn to pedal.