Discover the Best Way to Learn to Ride a Bike in Sydney with Pedal Set Go

Are you searching for the perfect spot to learn to ride a bike in Sydney? Whether you're starting your cycling journey or encouraging a loved one to take up bike riding, finding the right place and guidance is crucial. Sydney, a bustling city vying for space, offers limited areas ideal for beginners. That's where Pedal Set Go comes into play, providing professional, patient, and inclusive bike training for all ages. Let's explore why choosing professionals like Pedal Set Go is your best bet for learning to ride a bike in Sydney.

The Importance of Professional Bike Training

Learning to ride a bike is an exciting milestone, but it can also be filled with challenges and safety concerns. Here's why professional instruction from Pedal Set Go can make all the difference:

Experience and Patience: Unlike learning from a family member or friend, professional instructors bring a wealth of experience and a patience that ensures a positive and encouraging learning environment.

Safety First: At Pedal Set Go, safety isn't just a priority; it's a foundation of our teaching method. We focus on establishing good habits from the start, such as a comfortable seat height and the correct way to use brakes for mounting, dismounting, controlling speed, and stopping safely.

No Falls: Falling off isn't part of our program. Our method starts with the basics, gradually progressing to ensure you're confident and in control at every step.

Ideal Learning Environments: Finding a flat, good surface in Sydney can be challenging. We specialise in the Inner West, confident in our selection of locations like hard court surfaces, which are perfect for beginners. Our spots are generally free from the hustle and bustle, ensuring a distraction-free learning experience.

Why Seat Height and Brakes Matter

Often, inexperienced teachers or well-meaning friends might set the bike seat too high, leading to fear and a higher risk of falls. At Pedal Set Go, we start with the seat low, enabling better control and a smoother transition to pedaling. Understanding and using brakes effectively is another critical aspect of our training, ensuring you can stop safely and handle emergencies confidently.

The Pedal Set Go Difference

Pedal Set Go is among the few in Sydney that adhere to the UK National Standards for bike training, as well as specialising in adult learners. Our inclusive approach means we cater to everybody, regardless of your starting point. We believe in a no-pressure environment, allowing you to learn at your own pace.

No Training Wheels: Training wheels can actually slow down the learning process. We transform bikes into balance bikes, promoting quicker learning of balance and control. If you've been advised to start with training wheels and don't have a specific disability that necessitates them, we recommend seeking instruction that aligns with best practices in bike education.

In Sydney, where every square inch counts, Pedal Set Go stands out with its commitment to quality, safety, and inclusivity in bike training. Whether you're looking to navigate the city's streets confidently or simply enjoy a ride in the park, our professional instructors are here to guide you every pedal of the way.

Ready to embark on your cycling journey with us? Contact us to learn more about our programs and book your first session. In Sydney, learning to ride a bike is not just about finding the right path but starting the journey with the right guide.

Pedal Set Go: Sydney's Industry Leaders in Bicycle Education and More

At Pedal Set Go, we're not just about bikes; we're about fostering a diverse, empowered community of bike riders across Sydney. As industry leaders in bicycle education, we pride ourselves on offering a range of services from beginner riding courses to advanced maintenance training. Here’s why our approach sets us apart as the inclusive, authoritative choice for cycling education.

Expert-Led Bicycle Training by Industry Leaders

With a team of instructors who adhere to the UK National Standards for Bicycle Training, Pedal Set Go offers top-tier, accessible training for everybody. Our commitment to excellence has earned us the reputation of industry leaders, providing comprehensive cycling education tailored to the unique needs of each learner. Whether you're exploring the streets of Sydney for the first time or brushing up on your cycling safety knowledge, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Workplace Cycling Courses: A Corporate Shift Towards Sustainability

Embracing cycling as part of your corporate culture not only champions sustainability but also promotes well-being and efficiency among your team. Pedal Set Go specialises in workplace WHS bicycle courses, ensuring a smooth integration of cycling into your business environment. Our industry-leading programs are designed to address safety, route planning, and team engagement, making cycling a viable and enjoyable part of your daily routine.

Our Inclusive Vision: Cycling for Everybody

Cycling should know no barriers. Pedal Set Go stands as a beacon of inclusivity in an industry often perceived as exclusive. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, offering personalised learning experiences and the option for women-only instructors upon request. Our diverse team reflects the community we serve, emphasising our belief that everyone has a rightful place in the cycling world.

Maintenance Courses with a Difference

Understanding the intricacies of your bike enhances your riding experience and autonomy. Our maintenance courses go beyond the basics, teaching you essential skills for keeping your bike in prime condition, many of these skills are about preventative maintenance and are suitable for those who don’t want to get their hands that dirty. As industry leaders, we ensure that our training empowers you with practical knowledge, from routine tune-ups to emergency repairs, fostering a deeper connection between you and your bike.

Choosing Education Over Simple Service

For check and tune events, the expertise of bike educators like Pedal Set Go offers unparalleled value. Our educators are trained in both the technical and pedagogical aspects of cycling, ensuring participants not only receive top-notch service but also leave with a greater understanding of their bikes. This educational focus positions us as the preferred choice for businesses and organisations seeking meaningful engagement at their cycling events.

Join the Leaders in Bicycle Education

Pedal Set Go is more than a service provider; we are leaders in the movement towards a more inclusive, educated, and passionate cycling community in Sydney. With references from government organisations, corporations, and individuals from all walks of life, our track record speaks volumes about our commitment and expertise. Whether you’re taking the first pedal stroke or aiming to enrich your cycling knowledge, we’re here to lead the way.

Beyond Cycling: Embracing Bike Riding as Everyday Transport

At Pedal Set Go, our mission is to break down the barriers that keep people from integrating bike riding into their daily lives. While the word "cycling" often conjures images of sport, competition, and high-performance athletes clad in Lycra, we prefer to focus on the simple joy and practicality of riding a bicycle. It's why you'll notice we don't use "cycling" or "cyclist" very often. Our goal is to humanise and normalise bike riding as an effective mode of transport that is accessible to everybody.

Why We Focus on Bike Riding

Bike riding is for all. It's a way to connect with your community, reduce your environmental impact, and improve your health, all at the same time. By emphasising bike riding over cycling, we aim to make this activity feel more inclusive and welcoming to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whether you're heading to work, running errands, or just enjoying the outdoors, bike riding offers a versatile solution that aligns with sustainable and active transport principles.

Our Values Over SEO

We recognise that using terms like "cycling" might improve our search engine optimisation (SEO) and help more people find our services online. However, we believe that staying true to our values and promoting a more inclusive view of bike riding is more important. We are committed to providing bicycle education, consulting, training, and services that reflect these values. For those seeking access to bicycle education to build their confidence riding in the city or learning to ride for the first time, know that our approach is designed to welcome and support everybody, regardless of their experience level.

Addressing the Gap in Australian Bicycle Training Standards

While our programs are inspired by the UK's National Standards for Cycle Training and Bikeability, it's important to note that Australia currently lacks a unified national standard for bicycle training. This gap in standardised training means there's a wide variance in the quality and consistency of bike education across the country. At Pedal Set Go, we see this not as a hurdle but as an opportunity to lead by example and set a high standard for inclusive, comprehensive bike riding education.

Our approach is designed to fill this gap, offering a curriculum that covers essential skills for bike riders of all levels. From navigating traffic safely to understanding your rights and responsibilities on the road, our training is tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of riding in Australia. We advocate for the development and adoption of national standards similar to those in the UK, believing that such standards could significantly improve safety and accessibility for bike riders across the country.

By participating in our programs, you're not just learning how to ride a bike; you're also joining a movement that champions better, more standardised bike education in Australia. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to high-quality bike riding training, making our communities safer and more welcoming for bike riders.

Education and Training

Our programs draw inspiration from the UK's National Standards for Cycle Training and Bikeability, ensuring that our curriculum and techniques cater to riders seeking practical skills for everyday life. We focus on overcoming common fears and barriers to bike riding, offering a range of services from beginner courses to advanced urban riding skills. Our approach ensures that bike riders are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their communities safely and efficiently.

A Sustainable and Active Lifestyle

Bike riding as a form of active transport is at the heart of creating sustainable communities. It's not just about reducing congestion and pollution; it's about promoting a healthier, more connected way of living. At Pedal Set Go, we are passionate about the role that bike riding can play in achieving these goals. We encourage everyone to consider how incorporating bike riding into their daily routine can make a positive impact on their lives and the environment.

Join Us

We invite you to join us in redefining what it means to ride a bike. Whether you're new to bike riding or looking to improve your skills, Pedal Set Go offers the support and education you need to make bike riding a regular part of your life. Together, we can create a community where bike riding is a natural and celebrated choice for transportation and leisure.

Let's pedal forward, embracing bike riding not just as a sport but as a vital component of an active, sustainable lifestyle. Because at Pedal Set Go, we believe bike riding is for everybody.

The Importance of Local Bike Shops in Your Bike Journey

Blending Safety Education with Local Support for a Better Riding Experience

Introduction:

Embarking on a journey towards a healthier and more eco-conscious lifestyle through bike riding is a significant decision. This article explores the often overlooked advantages of purchasing through local bike shops, complemented by the expertise and educational services offered by Pedal Set Go. This collaboration emphasises the importance of community support, blending riders education and local involvement for a well-rounded and safe riding experience.

Guidance in Choosing the Right Bike (E-Bike or acoustic?)

Local bike shops, sometimes in collaboration with Pedal Set Go, serve as community hubs, offering guidance to empower riders with informed choices and ensuring a safe and well-informed purchase. This collaboration is particularly valuable for individuals looking to learn to ride safely and confidently, taking up bike riding for transportation rather than just sport.

Accessible Service and Support:

All bikes require periodic maintenance and occasional repairs. E-Bikes will also require routine software updates that can only be performed by an authorised dealer. Opting for a local bike shop ensures a reliable point of contact for professional service and support, promoting a safe riding experience. Pedal Set Go's focus on education aids riders in understanding preventative maintenance, enhancing safety on the road and helps them know when it is important to attend their local bike shop.

Establishing a Maintenance Routine:

Protecting your investment in a bike involves adhering to a regular maintenance schedule. Local bike shops simplify this process, offering suggested schedules based on individual riding habits. Professional tune-ups and assessments during these sessions preemptively identify and address potential issues, ensuring a safe and well-maintained bike.

Educational Support with Pedal Set Go:

Pedal Set Go specialises in providing education and advice on preventative maintenance, contributing to a well-rounded support system for riders. Their courses empower riders with skills for sustainable biking and understanding proper bike care practices, promoting safety on the road.

Supporting Local Businesses:

The collaboration between local bike shops and Pedal Set Go not only enhances safety but also supports local economies. Choosing to buy from these collaborative ventures contributes to the sustainability of the local economy, ensuring community resilience, and fostering a secure biking environment.

Inclusive and Women-Friendly Spaces:

In the quest for a safer and more inclusive riders community, many local bike shops are now striving to create welcoming and women-friendly spaces. These shops prioritise treating everybody as equals, providing a comfortable environment for all riders. If one shop falls short in inclusivity, riders can easily find another local shop nearby that aligns with their values, fostering a diverse and respectful biking environment.

Challenges of Online Purchases:

Pedal Set Go often encounters individuals at events who have purchased bikes online, facing difficulties with warranties, service, and sourcing parts. This highlights the potential safety challenges of online purchases, emphasising the importance of local support for a secure and reliable biking experience.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the collaboration between local bike shops and Pedal Set Go provides a unique blend of expertise and education, fostering a safer and more resilient biking community. Supporting these ventures not only enhances your biking experience but also contributes to the well-being and safety of your local community. Choose local, ride safely, and engage in educational sessions with partners like Pedal Set Go for a truly enriching and connected bike riding experience.

Teaching a child to ride a bike

Teaching a child to ride a bike can be an exciting and memorable experience. Here's a step-by-step, Ummm…Pedal… guide to help you teach a child to ride a bike: At Pedal Set Go we do NOT recommend training wheels, with the exception being for some people with disability. The same techniques can be used when teaching an adult to learn to ride a bicycle.

Choosing the Perfect Bike: Setting the Foundation for Riding Success

Ensure that the child has a bike that they can sit on comfortably with their feet flat when touching the ground. At this stage, a bike is better slightly too small rather than too large. The learner will not feel safe nor confident if they are on their tip-toes. Pedal Set Go do not encourage people to purchase a bike their child will “grow into.”

Ensure your child has the right bike for a comfortable and confident start.

Selecting a Safe Riding Location in Sydney: Where to Begin

Discover the ideal spots in Sydney for teaching bike riding, prioritising safety and space. Look for a spacious and flat area with a smooth surface, such as netball or basketball courts, a quiet street, or an empty car park. Avoid busy roads or areas with heavy traffic.

Prepping the Bike: Removing Pedals and Adjusting the Seat for Optimal Learning

Step-by-step guide on pedal removal and saddle adjustment to facilitate the initial learning phase.

Start by removing the pedals from the bike. A number 15 spanner will suffice if you do not have a pedal wrench. The left and right pedals are threaded in opposite directions. The right pedal is threaded normally – turn counterclockwise to loosen. The left pedal is threaded in reverse – turn clockwise to loosen. Lower the saddle so that the child can easily place their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the seat. Lower is best, and ideally, the child can spread their legs and feet apart like a tripod. (If there are no markings on the pedals, you may want to label them left and right.)

Building Balance and Confidence: The Gliding and Balancing Technique

Learning to glide and balance: Begin by helping the child learn to balance on the bike without pedals. If the bike has a hand brake lever or levers, encourage them to use the brakes while getting on and off the bike. Show them how to use the brake rather than their feet to slow or stop the bike. Have them mount the bike and walk while sitting on the seat, using their feet to stabilise themselves. Remind them to remain seated. Encourage them to keep their eyes focused straight ahead and their arms relaxed. When moving in a straight line or steering, the bike will follow their gaze.

Learn how to guide your child through gliding and balancing exercises to foster confidence.

Mastering the Art of Gliding: Scooting to Develop Balance and Momentum

Once the child is comfortable walking, encourage them to push off the ground with their feet and start scooting. They should lift their feet off the ground and try to glide for short distances. Practise this scooting and gliding technique to help them build momentum and develop a sense of balance. Remember, just like a rolling coin, the bike needs some momentum to stay upright.

Explore techniques for scooting and gliding, essential for building momentum and balance.

From here, it should be fun, and apart from reminding the child to look where they want to go, there is not much more for the adult to do. The child will learn through play and experience. Every wobble and false start is a lesson in the right direction. Little and often also avoids the risk of a sore bum.

Pedals Back On: Transitioning to Pedalling with Confidence

Reinstall the pedals once your child has gained confidence in gliding and balancing. Once the child can demonstrate consistent balance through gliding and steering, reattach the pedals to the bike. Make sure they are properly threaded.

A comprehensive guide to instructing your child to pedal and maintain momentum.

Pedal Set...Go!: Teaching the Basics of Pedalling

First, remind the child about the importance of brakes and ask them to demonstrate how they will stop the bike with the brake levers or back pedal brake. Instruct the child to set the pedal to 2 o’clock with one foot on the pedals, and after a big push, lift their other foot onto the other pedal. Continue pedalling to maintain momentum. Encourage them to keep pedalling so they can maintain momentum and their balance. You may wish to support them briefly, but allow the child to practice pedalling independently as much as possible.

Practice Makes Perfect: Building Skills and Confidence Through Repetition

Encourage regular practice, gradually raising the seat as your child gains control. Introduce more challenging terrain as their confidence and skills improve.

Positive Reinforcement: Celebrating Achievements and Nurturing Confidence

Praise the child for their efforts and progress. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement will boost their confidence and motivation and ensure the activity remains fun.

Remember, every child learns at their own pace, so be patient and supportive throughout the process. With time and practice, most children—in fact, people of all ages—can learn to ride a bike independently.

Embracing E-Bikes in Sydney: A Guide to Sustainable, Efficient Travel

IS AN E-BIKE CHEATING?

Are you considering an e-bike for your travels in Sydney? As e-bikes gain popularity, many are discovering their benefits, but how do you know if an e-bike is the right choice for you?

The Benefits of E-Bikes for Confidence and Fitness

E-bikes offer a unique advantage: a bit of battery assistance that can boost your confidence, particularly if you're worried about your physical ability or fitness level. Many seasoned riders find that e-bikes allow them to travel further and carry heavier loads more easily. Hills and headwinds, common challenges in Sydney, become manageable with an e-bike, making them ideal for arriving at meetings or destinations without the sweat and strain.

Ideal for Multiple Trips and Mobility Concerns

E-bikes are not just for the fitness-savvy. They're a fantastic option for multiple trips, carrying loads, or for those learning to ride, and those who might lack strength or have mobility issues. One e-bike user shares, "I love my e-bike as it allows me to keep pace with my partner without feeling like I'm holding them back."

Sustainability and Time Efficiency

Choosing to ride any bike is a sustainable choice and a choice where unlike a car you also spend less time stuck in traffic. Many people are replacing the family car with an electric cargo bike, perfect for carrying kids or adult passengers. Riders often feel safer on an e-bike in the city, as the battery assistance helps maintain a steady flow with traffic, reducing pressure. Whatever type of bike you ride, Pedal Set Go can also provide training on how to further relieve the pressure of sharing the road with other vehicles.

Safety and Visibility

Most quality e-bikes come with built-in lights, enhancing safety and visibility on the streets and in parks, especially at night. This feature is crucial for those who ride after dark, providing peace of mind and increased safety.

The Importance of Fire Safety and Choosing Reputable Brands

When selecting an e-bike, it's crucial to consider fire safety, especially regarding the battery. Opt for e-bikes from reputable brands known for their high safety standards to minimise the risk of battery fires. These brands invest in quality materials and rigorous testing to ensure their products are safe and reliable. Many UK bike shops will not service unknown cheap brands of electric bike due to the associated fire risks, and it is likely Australia will soon follow suit.

Cost-Effectiveness and Convenience

Operating an e-bike is significantly cheaper than running a car or motorbike, and parking becomes a breeze. With social distancing still a consideration, e-bikes offer a safe social distancing mode of transport. Regular riders will quickly notice savings compared to public transport costs.

Making the Right Choice

Remember, all bikes are an investment. Before purchasing an e-bike, take the time to go for a test ride. Your local bike shop can help you choose the right style for your transport needs, ensuring you make an informed decision. There are also subscription eBike options through businesses such as Lug and Carrie.

In conclusion, e-bikes are a versatile, efficient, and eco-friendly option for navigating Sydney. Whether you're looking to enhance your fitness, carry loads, or simply enjoy a more relaxed ride, an e-bike might be the perfect solution for you. Explore the world of e-bikes and join the growing community of riders who've found a smarter way to travel.