Cycling Draft
Riding a bicycle for transport, fitness or adventure, from city commuting to road racing and mountain trails.
Open the app Find cycling games, places and shops near you.
How to start
What you need
- Bicycle that fits your height
- Helmet that meets safety standards
- Lights and a bell for city riding
- Water bottle, a spare tube and a pump
Typical cost
A used or entry-level bike costs about $200 to $800; a helmet $30 to $100; a basic tune-up $60 to $150 (approximate, varies by city).
Where to play
Bike paths, quiet streets, greenways, bike parks, trails and group rides at local bike shops.
Rules
- Follow traffic laws: ride with traffic, stop at signs and signal turns.
- Use hand signals to show left and right turns and stops.
- Yield to pedestrians on shared paths.
- Keep to the right side of the lane unless passing.
- Use lights at night, front white and rear red.
- Ride predictably and avoid sudden swerves.
- In group rides, point out hazards and call 'on your left' when passing.
- In races, follow race-specific rules about drafting and sprints.
Drills
Slow-speed balance 5 min
In a parking lot, ride as slowly as possible in a straight line, then in a circle.
Braking practice 6 min
Ride at a moderate speed, then brake smoothly with both brakes to stop in a set area.
Cadence spinning 12 min
Pedal in an easy gear at a steady rhythm of about 80 to 90 revolutions per minute for 10 minutes.
Look-back skill 5 min
Practice looking over your shoulder while riding straight without swerving.
Hill climbs 15 min
Ride up a gentle hill in an easy gear, staying seated and breathing steadily.
Etiquette
- Pass on the left and announce yourself.
- Do not block shared paths when stopped.
- Wave to drivers who give you space.
Safety
- Always wear a helmet and check brakes and tires before riding.
- Use lights and bright clothing when visibility is low.
- Watch for car doors and avoid riding in blind spots.
Levels
- 1Learning to balance, pedal and brake.
- 2Can ride on paths and quiet streets for short rides.
- 3Comfortable on longer rides, shifting gears and riding in traffic.
- 4Rides 25+ miles, joins group rides and handles varied terrain.
- 5Races or tours at a high level with strong fitness and technical skill.
Questions
What bike should I buy?
A comfortable hybrid or the style of riding you plan to do; a local bike shop can help fit it.
Do I need special clothing?
Padded shorts help on longer rides, but anything comfortable works to start.
How do I stay safe in traffic?
Be visible, ride predictably, and use bike lanes or low-traffic routes when possible.
Draft guide: written from general knowledge and not yet checked by someone who plays cycling. Costs are approximate and vary by city. Check with a coach or doctor before starting anything new.