Here’s the “embarrassing” truth – I never learnt to cycle as a kid. I never did Bikeability or took cycling lessons. I knew how to pedal, and that was about it. My family was never the type to go on holiday bike rides, and after a few bad experiences trying and failing to cycle downhill, I’d pretty much given up. In all honesty, I was terrified to ever get back on a bike. 

Fast forward to my final year at university, and I found myself relying on buses more than ever since I live in the city. The buses were constantly making me late for everything – seminars, meeting friends, going to work. They would rarely turn up on time, and when they did, they were often packed so full I couldn’t get a seat. One evening, I spent an hour and a half just waiting for a single bus to show up at the university bus stop. Something in me snapped and I decided I was fed up with wasting my time. I wanted to finally face my fears and learn to cycle. I wanted to stop relying on buses and cars to get me everywhere.  

I took around six adult cycling lessons with Matt, an amazing cycling instructor in Norwich whose business, Smart Cycle Training, has taught tonnes of adults and children to cycle safely on the roads. Before the lessons, I hadn’t cycled in 10 years. Matt got me cycling on the road and signalling with ease, and after the lessons, I started commuting to university by myself. I was so surprised by how quickly I was able to learn and the independence cycling gave me. I don’t drive yet, and frankly, I don’t think I can afford to learn right now, never mind be able to buy a car. But a bike is something I can afford, and is much more affordable for most students. 

Even in the short time I’ve been cycling, I’ve learnt a lot. For starters, don’t just run into a curb and think you can defy gravity, otherwise you’ll end up a muddy mess like I did. Buy a waterproof jacket, because you sure as hell are going to need it if you’re commuting in the rain. A lot of car drivers are going to think they can intimidate you, but ignore them. All of the obstacles I’ve faced learning to cycle so far can’t outweigh how freeing it feels. 

I bought my first proper bike on campus at Dr Bike. They’ve got loads of affordable second-hand bikes available to buy, which is perfect for students on a budget. Buying a bike for myself for the first time made me feel like a kid again. You don’t need a fancy bike to get you from A to B, but I will admit that buying a bright blue bike made my inner child very happy. 

Learning to cycle has also made me appreciate areas with good bike infrastructure more. UEA has some decent bike lanes nearby, as well as loads of places to lock your bike up. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many bike lanes there are in Norwich, since in my hometown, there’s none to be seen. When cities have good bike infrastructure, it makes cycling safer and encourages more people to get out there. That doesn’t mean everyone is welcoming to cyclists, but it does make learning a lot easier. 

Whether you’re thinking of trying out a Beryl bike, using your old bike sitting in the shed, or even learning to cycle for the first time, give it a go and don’t let your fear and embarrassment get in the way. It can seem humiliating to start from scratch, especially when you’re an adult, but there are so many rewards for going out of your comfort zone. Trust me, I would know. I don’t know many other people who have learnt to cycle at 22! 

Image: Concrete/Mia Galanti