How to Mount a Bicycle

Last Updated: February 1, 2023 References

Just learning to ride? The first step is getting on. Here are some instructions on how to get started. Soon you'll be riding off into the sunset on your ten-speed.

Steps

Below are three options you can choose from. It might be a good idea to bring down the seat so that both feet can be flat on the ground while you are seated. For beginners, this eases the fear of falling since you can more easily use your feet to prevent you from falling to one side. It isn't wise to try mounting a very high bike at the outset. As you gain experience, adjust the seat so that only the tips of your toes touch the ground while seated.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Side Mount Method

1
Stand on the left side of your bicycle.
2
Position the left pedal at the 10:00 position (as on a clock).

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3
Put your left foot on the left pedal.
4
Push off twice on the ground with your right foot, as this will give you enough momentum to swing your right leg over the seat without falling off.^{[1]
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5
As your bicycle begins to move, swing your right leg over.
6
Sit down on the bicycle seat and pedal away. Note: If you feel comfortable starting on the right side of the bicycle and pedaling first with the right foot, that's fine too.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Ready Mount Method

1
Throw your leg over the middle bar and stand flat-footed with one foot on each side of the bike. You should be standing just in front of the bike seat, and not fully seated yet.^{[2]
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2
Position one pedal at 10:00 and place your foot on the pedal while leaning a little to the other side. Your other foot which is still flat on the ground will help you keep your balance.
3
Push down with the foot on the pedal, and stand up on it at the same time. This will raise you up and allow you to sit on the seat.
4
Place your other foot on the pedal, push forward and you are riding!
5
Probably want to apply some brake pressure so the bike won't run away

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cycle-cross Mount Method

1
Wear a helmet. This method is not easy.
2
Start with the left pedal at ten o'clock and stand on the left side of the bike, holding the handlebars.
3
Run alongside the bike, pushing the bike by the handlebars until you get up to speed.^{[3]
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4
When you're ready to mount, jump off the left foot and swing your right leg over the bike. You should land with your right thigh on the seat.
5
Push down on the left pedal and catch the right pedal on its way up.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it okay for a child to mount their bike from either side?

Community Answer

Yes, but only if they are comfortable with it. Typically, they should mount their bike on their dominant side.
Question

If I keep doing the side mount method, won't the stress on the left pedal break the balance of the weight allowance on the right pedal?

Matt Gander

Community Answer

Bicycle components are designed to withstand stresses like this for many years, only under unusual circumstances will you cause damage to components. However, the correct way to mount a bike is to lead the bike towards you with the brakes on, swing your leg over the rear of the bike and sit on the saddle, there should be no pressure on the pedals until you are ready to ride. By standing on one pedal to start you are more likely to crash into something.

Warnings

Keep some distance from pedestrians.

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Remember to ALWAYS wear your helmet and some gloves and shin pads!

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On your first few attempts, you might want to ask a trusted person to help catch you should you fall.

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Keep some distance from thorny bushes, sharp objects, open pits, or other unsafe objects/areas.

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If you are going uphill, it might be wiser to walk with your bike until you find a more flat area. Pushing a pedal down from the 10 o'clock position will be a little more difficult if you're going up. As you gain experience (and stronger muscles in the right places), you will find yourself getting better at this and you won't have to walk your bike at all. You will also learn to use your weight to bring the pedal down. It just takes a little practice.

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Be very careful when attempting to mount a bicycle on a busy street. If you feel unsure, walk with your bike until you get to a less busy area. Don't unduly pressure yourself. There's nothing uncool about walking with your bike.

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At the outset, find an area that would allow you to go straight for about 5 meters (15 feet) or so while mounting. If you have to turn so soon after getting seated, you might lose control of the bike. Later you will find that you will not need such a long runway for take off.

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At the outset, these don't have to be cycling gloves. Work gloves or winter gloves would do just fine (as long as they're not so thick; otherwise you can't get a good grip on the handlebars). The point is to try to avoid getting your hands abraded should you fall. If later you feel that gloves are essential for your riding, then go ahead and invest in a good pair.

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