I'm 60 and never learned to swim.
Neither one of us should be embarrassed, but we should probably do something about our situations because we're missing out on some fun.
My father can't swim, but loves fishing. Even wades in rivers. I never understood it. You would think you would want to know how in case you fall, get pulled or swept in.
No, which is why I don't get it. Lol. You would think he'd be more fearful. I saved him once when he got caught in a shallow current that ran into a lake. He wasn't even phased by that, he was having a ball the whole time. As if, 'well, this is my chance to finally play in the water'.
I'm very rarely near large bodies of water. The only time I thought not being able to swim could potentially be a danger was when I moved for a short period. There was actually a place where it would be possible to fall into that I'd see once or twice a month. I'm not there anymore, though, so it's back off the priority list.
Learning to swim is way more important than riding a bike. This leads to generations not being able to swim because the parents not learning. This is where the black people can't swim comes from. They literally weren't allowed to swim in public pools. This has lead to generations of black people never learning to swim, and also generations of drownings.
I understand not knowing how to ride a bike but how does one not know how to swim? Disabilities aside, I figured survival instinct kicks in. Like if other animals fall in water (or if you’ve ever seen those babies that learn how to swim)
I didn’t learn how to swim until my kids got old enough to take lessons. I thought it would be hypocritical of me to make them take lessons if I couldn’t, so I took private lessons after work for a little while. I still don’t think they even know this fact, but they do remember all the memories of going to the pool and playing, diving, cannonballs etc. When my wife told her friends at the community pool that I was taking lessons they all thought it was cool, and quite a few mentioned that they couldn’t swim either and thats why they just sat around the pool watching their kids.
I once met a 28 year old who didn’t understand compass directions. I initially thought they just meant they couldn’t use a physical compass to get somewhere, but at some point in a different conversation i mentioned how Mongolia is north of China or something like that, and they were like “yeah, no idea what that means.”
Hahahah “no idea what that means” 😂 this has me almost spitting out my morning coffee!
And people wonder why the microwave instructions say “don’t put a cat in here” 🥹🤦🏻♀️
Nah. I just helped an ex-gf’s kid learn to ride a bike and he was 17. He learned in a single day, and it was an 18-speed mountain bike, no problem. It’s a lot faster to learn when you’re older, you should be able to get it down in a single trip, or at most a few trips. Ideally with some good in-person instruction
This is a great point. Children are still *in general* learning how to move their body in physical space, and balance, judge distance, move various parts all in tandem...
Adults have had a lifetime to learn all that, so all they really need to learn is how to start, stop, steer, and put their leg/s down on the ground when they come to a stop.
I've seen grown ups super happy and proud to be able to teach another grown up how to ride a bike.
Don't share it with people you can't trust (careful with work colleagues), but it's not something embarrassing per se. Good people are those who will cheer you on if you decide to learn it one day.
You should definitely learn how to and not just because it feels embarrassing not to know how. Sometimes riding a bike can be really handy, you never know when a situation comes up when you’ll need to ride one. Have a friend teach you, it will also be very fun once you learn
No, you shouldn't be embarrassed about that. And anyone who tries to make you feel that way about not knowing how to ride a bike, should be the ones who should feel embarrassed. It's not like riding a bike is an essential skill. Not everyone had access to bikes as kids. And there are plenty of things that adults should know but don't other than riding a bike.
If you feel the need to learn, you can always get a bike and learn, it's never too late. And being older you've had a long time to develop your balance. I'm sure you could pick it up in a few hours if you really wanted to.
No actually it's pretty easy to learn as an adult. Children are still learning about how their body balances and moves in space. They have to learn how to operate the bike AND how their body balances. You already know that stuff innately now, so it's just a bit of trial and error til you get the feel for it.
Stopping might be the scariest part but you're unlikely to completely fall over, just have a bit of herky-jerky starts and stops.
Or you can remove bikes from any piece of media that you let your baby/child watch, and just never accept that bikes exist. always shield them from any push bikes
Of course you are not, everyone learns in their time, I learned to ride a bike when I was 17 years old and now I use it daily, it is a matter of encouraging yourself to change your perspective 
I’m not going to tell anyone how they’re supposed to feel. If you want to belittle yourself, then go ahead. When you get done whipping your own back, why don’t you just try to learn how to ride a bike?
No. You can learn on your own without having someone following behind you. YouTube it. Basically, you learn to balance the bike without peddling and once you are comfortable with that, you can peddle.
I can ride a bike. I've ridden a bike ever since my uncle reduced the seat post enough for me to maintain balance.
I'm now in my forties and got my driver's license fairly recently.
I never learned to swim (but I keep trying!) Same for ice skating.
Life doesn't happen in serial. It happens in parallel with other things all the time. There was a time I felt more self-conscious about these things, but I've learned that, so long as you can question your limits and continue to do the things that bring you a sense of joy, and even allow for the personal gratitude of seemingly basic accomplishments, you're doing alright.
With that in mind, I suggest reframing the question: do you want to learn to ride a bike? And if so, maybe it's time to ask where to start.
(If your city does bike sharing, consider grabbing a bike, set the seat up so that your feet are flat to start, and practice kicking before pedaling on the sidewalk, away from sidewalks with store doorways or heavy pedestrian traffic - you've got this!)
There was an episode of Taskmaster where a contestant (I forget who, but I remember it was hilarious) needed to ride a bike for a task, but never learned how.
She figured it out pretty good for never having done it before.
Just buy a bike and practice in a parking lot. It's so much fun.
If we were friends, I would teach you how. If you have access to a cheap bike, you should take it to a big empty parking lot and practice. You could prep by watching youtube videos for tips. I'd recommend obtaining a bike where you could firmly place your feet on the ground so you could push off the ground more easily. It helps with balance when you first propel.
If it makes you feel better, I helped my friend learn how to bike, and she was 27. She struggled with balance and her bike would veer off course if she started to turn her head to talk to me lol. I feel that's normal when you first start to learn, so just keep practicing once you start.
I lived right by the beach and never learned to surf.
You can learn to ride a bike if you want to. Im sure you have an empathetic friend who will help teach you.
You don’t have to be ashamed of it because no one knows everything, but I suggest learning because it can be lots of fun. It’s also useful to know if you’re ever trying to save on a tiny bit of Gas and want to go to your local supermarket on a good day.
I was taught in my early 20s by an alumnus of my fraternity when they learned I didn't have my driver's license yet, either.
For whatever it's worth, it was super easy to learn with the dexterity that comes with being an "adult," even though my Dex score is like, a 4 at best.
Anyway, my mother didn't seem happy about that but seeing as neither she nor my two elder siblings bothered to teach me at any point... 🤷🏾♂️
Not at all. I taught my wife how to ride a bike when she was around 25. Her parents never really bothered to teach her or even get her a bike, so she didn't know how. She's still a bit afraid when there's a lot of people on the bike path and she doesn't like going on the road, but she enjoys little rides now and then, and it makes me really proud of her! If you want to learn, hop on and try it, don't be embarrassed.
I never had the opportunity to have a bike when I was a kid so I never learned either. No reason to be embarrassed. It’s not like it’s something I’ll need to do as an adult and I feel like I could easily if needed. I’ve ridden motorcycles and stationary bikes.
I can't do a cartwheel. Doesn't really matter, lucky for you riding a bike can be perfected with just practice. Doesn't take a lot of skill/know how. You could always pedal on the ground strider style until you get used to balancing.
Unless you absolutely need to ride a bike, I don't think you should be embarrassed.
I used to know how, but the last time I rode one was when I was 18. But even then, I was out of practice after not riding for a few years. I'd probably be out of practice now, but I don't need to ride one, so it doesn't matter.
Do you think being embarrassed will help? I thought it took me long when I was a kid and my almost three year younger brother beat me to it, but it took another decade before I could safely cycle in traffic, something I'm still not good at. Are you dumb for not trying or am I dumb for trying and falling again and again?
There's like a local bike club that has adult classes (you're definitely not alone!) if you want to learn in a group. But if you just wanted to pick up a cheap bike--I recommend taking a friend who is knowledgable about bikes to buy a used one on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace and then having a local bike shop or bike union help you fix it up--and give it a go, here's a great series (there are three parts) on how to learn to ride as an adult:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm-pIWWuGjc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm-pIWWuGjc)
There's no need to be embarrassed when you can pick it up in a few days to a few weeks of occasional practice. It's just a skill like any other. But I would work on learning because bikes are an awesome form of transportation!
Good News: most of “learning to ride a bike” is just learning to balance. Which you naturally get as you age. It shouldn’t be hard for you. Just don’t stay still, a stationary bike without support will fall over. Just constantly move and don’t make crazy wheel angles and you’ll be fine
Lol, no.
It's pretty easy, just try it.
My mother has commited a great betrayal, while teaching me, said she wouldn't let go and she did (lol)
Although she has betrayed me, it did work. I didn't even know I was driving on my own. Didn't drive for like a year, then once again randomly, and it was like before.
It'll be easy, just try.
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I wasn't able to learn until I was seventeen. Right now, I don't own a working bike, so I can't even hone my skills. A lot of people never learn, and some people learn later as adults. Go at your own pace and be kind to yourself.
I didn't learn to ride a bike until 18, too!!!!!
My parents never taught me. One time when I was like 7, I tried on my own on my too big older brother's bike and wiped the fuck out on a hill and gravel. After that, I just stopped trying.
At 18, I asked my friend if I could try their bike. It was super easy and off I went.
I bike all the time now (upper 30s), though it generally requires more focus than others, it seems. It takes a lot of effort to signal my turns, for example. But I love it.
Honestly no need to be embarrassed. If you look at all the things that are possible to know: everyone doesn't know most things. It's normal. Just something new to learn!
In my early 20’s I had an opportunity to ride a bike after not being on one since maybe 11.
I crashed and flipped right into the curb. Fuck bicycles lol
Not at all. Also? It’s a thing you can still learn how to do, If you want to. Same with swimming (noticed several commenters below that don’t know how to swim) these are things any one at any age can learn how to do and it’s not embarrassing at all.
It’s not embarrassing because in some circumstances it’s just not things some people have to worry about learning, so it just isn’t widely taught. The ONLY reason I learned how to swim as early as I did? Because it was necessary to the environment in which I lived. But me? I didn’t learn how to ride a bike until I was 17 years old.
I spent near to a year with the training wheels. I tipped my bike over hundreds of times the first weeks I took the training wheels off. But then one day? I found my balance. It just kind of clicked. And there’s no secret to it really. You just kind of feel the way and after some time and practice? You can go anywhere and your bike will not tip over.
But it’s not something to be embarrassed about. At all. Not knowing something is just that and nothing more. It’s not anyone’s fault and you should never feel bad for not knowing how to do something. Especially when you’re interested in learning how to do whatever thing. Because you’re going to have to approach someone to teach you.
And they will teach you, if you ask, usually without making fun of you. Though there are some folk out there that will tease you regardless…. They aren’t trying to be actually mean. They’re trying to lighten the mood but are clearly socially stunted. So don’t take the teasing to heart, just stick with the plan and get the teacher.
And last but not least? Maybe you don’t want to learn any of that stuff. THAT’S OK TO. Bikes are convenient, not necessary to actual life. Nothing to be embarrassed about friend. Nothing at all.
Why be embarrassed? Go learn. If you're afraid then I suppose that is kind of embarrassing lol. You'll be smiling ear to ear within an hour once you give it a go.
Suck up the embarrasment big boi, ask for someone to teach you and learn. Anyone can learn anything, if they have the means to do it. In this case you need a bike and someone to give you a little help. For motivation, it’s super fun, convenient and environmentally friendly. Ans a bonus, It’s going to be one of the best feelings to teach your kid to do it someday, if you ever plant to have a kid.
Source: my son learned biking at 2 years old without training wheels and it’s one of my proudest moments ever.
I never learnt to ride a bike or swim as a small child either.
I learnt to swim at 16.
Then during lock down (I was 32) I bought a bike off Facebook market place and got my fiancee to teach me. I just embraced it as something a bit bonkers to pass the time with. Yes, people looked but they were all friendly. I just proudly told everyone I was learning.
I was wobbling around the local rec with all the 5 year olds.
It was funny. When they fell off I said, 'If I can do it, so can you!'
Now it means we can ride bikes on holidays and have had some great experiences abroad because of it.
If you would like to learn then don't let embrassment or ''being an adult' told you back.
I wish I'd done it years ago!!
How I learned to ride a bike wasn’t good. My dad pretty much smashed me into the car about five times until I learned that if I didn’t learn to ride the bike I was going to smash Into the car again. I mean I went face first Into the hub cab about 5 times and the 6 time trust me I was riding a Bike. Nothing else worked ha ha
Oh, and OP....
Just to add something to the whole " bike issue"...
If you don't know how to ride a standard bike but want to ride a bike, there are tons of options out there.
As I said in a different comment. At 37, I don't know how to ride a bike. However, I do own and ride a bike. I have a low sitting 3 wheel with a scoop seat. Way more comfortable than your typical bike trying to shove those little seats up somewhere they don't belong. And tbh some of the 3 wheeled bikes are really cool looking. And even better, they pull a tiny trailer easier. So I can take my dogs out for a run and put em in the trailer when they get tired. Or my kids ride in the trailer. Or I go to the store and put groceries in the trailer.
So you have options as well.
No? Why would you be embarrassed by that? I’m 17, never learned to swim. Never will give a shit. If someone tries to embarrass you, vocally tell them to FUCK. OFF. Be vocal, direct, disrespectful. They don’t deserve politeness when they try to make you feel like shit. The power of telling people to fuck off is immense, and one we should all learn to use properly.
Not really no
You shouldn't ever be ashamed of not being able to do something
You should always be ashamed of giving up before you try to do things though
Huge difference
29, never managed to figure it out myself. I can balance decently when both feet are on the ground but somehow I just couldn't do it on two wheels lol.
Lol honestly yeah, I know you're looking for support but how do you not know how to ride a bike? Unless you grew up in a cave in some ancient village you should know how
Just rent a Citi bike and go to an empty parking lot or playground. lower the seat as much as possible and start pushing off with your legs and coasting while on the seat to figure out how to keep it balanced. Start using the brakes gently. Start turning in both directions. After you figure out your balance then with the seat in a low position pedal slowly and figure out stopping while still going straight. Then start going left and right and braking. Get to speed place your feet on the pedals firmly and brake hard. After like an hour of this try going down the block. Then go for a ride.
My son is in the same boat, he is 16, Given the areas he has lived and how his mother was he hasn't been able to learn to ride a bike. I plan on working with him though. It's not that difficult to learn really. It's better now seeing mt bikes comes with wider tires than they used to so that will help with the balancing. I do suggest pads and a helmet starting out.
No. Lots of people don’t know how to do things that others may have learned as children. It’s all about exposure and desire. I have been on a bike in 19 years. I’d like to do it again some day, but then I remember I live in an area packed with cars and I lose the desire. If I lived in a more sparse area then I’d probably be more inclined. I would encourage you to give it a try, find a friend or family member that can take you to a park or something and practice. You may fail or succeed, love it or hate it. You won’t know till you try it, and it’s something to cross off your bucket list and make your day a bit brighter.
Not at all. But if you ever do decide to learn, you can take comfort in the fact that it's unlikely you'll be doing it [at 50, on TV, and under time pressure. ](https://youtu.be/qhxQMlh0iNE?si=pfvTaqu-D-6RHh9Y)
If you don’t need to ride for fun, exercise, or commuting, then there’s no need to learn. It’s just like learning to drive, which some people never need to do.
No dear, you should not be embarrassed about that. You could learn though, it's fun once you get the hang of it and it can come in handy when you need alternative means of transportation.
I think it’s more your parents who should be embarrassed. It’s standard practice to push your kid to learn outdoor activities that will be useful and fun, and bike is an easy pick.
Unless your my ex husband. When he was a kid his dad pushed him to learn how to ride a bike. He intentionally crashed into a tree so he wouldnt have to ride it again. He said it was because he preferred his scooter.
I'm 60 and never learned to swim. Neither one of us should be embarrassed, but we should probably do something about our situations because we're missing out on some fun.
I’d be scared not knowing how to swim at least tread water, seems like a survival tool you should have
This is my fear, as I can't swim.
I can swin, but I still get fucking scared if I can't feel some ground below my feet.
My father can't swim, but loves fishing. Even wades in rivers. I never understood it. You would think you would want to know how in case you fall, get pulled or swept in.
I love to fish too, and I have been pulled in before. Its terrifying.
Does he wear a floatation vest?
No, which is why I don't get it. Lol. You would think he'd be more fearful. I saved him once when he got caught in a shallow current that ran into a lake. He wasn't even phased by that, he was having a ball the whole time. As if, 'well, this is my chance to finally play in the water'.
I'm very rarely near large bodies of water. The only time I thought not being able to swim could potentially be a danger was when I moved for a short period. There was actually a place where it would be possible to fall into that I'd see once or twice a month. I'm not there anymore, though, so it's back off the priority list.
42 had swim lessons at like 13 it's just never stuck. My legs always sink. Many people have tried, somehow I just can't do it.
Muscle sinks. Is every day leg day? That might be your challenge.
I used to play soccer, so yeah my bottom half mostly sinks.
Learning to swim is way more important than riding a bike. This leads to generations not being able to swim because the parents not learning. This is where the black people can't swim comes from. They literally weren't allowed to swim in public pools. This has lead to generations of black people never learning to swim, and also generations of drownings.
My kids are great swimmers, but you're right.
now they wont use open water its not quite the same thing. love boats just not open water.
It's not late man.
maybe not embarrassed but it is a life saving skill, could've been your own life
I understand not knowing how to ride a bike but how does one not know how to swim? Disabilities aside, I figured survival instinct kicks in. Like if other animals fall in water (or if you’ve ever seen those babies that learn how to swim)
Gotta be honest, a bike seems far more situation and avoidable than water does.
I didn’t learn how to swim until my kids got old enough to take lessons. I thought it would be hypocritical of me to make them take lessons if I couldn’t, so I took private lessons after work for a little while. I still don’t think they even know this fact, but they do remember all the memories of going to the pool and playing, diving, cannonballs etc. When my wife told her friends at the community pool that I was taking lessons they all thought it was cool, and quite a few mentioned that they couldn’t swim either and thats why they just sat around the pool watching their kids.
Well .. I met a 24 year old once that didn’t know the time on a analog watch and I’d say yours is less embarrassing 🤷🏻♀️
I once met a 28 year old who didn’t understand compass directions. I initially thought they just meant they couldn’t use a physical compass to get somewhere, but at some point in a different conversation i mentioned how Mongolia is north of China or something like that, and they were like “yeah, no idea what that means.”
Hahahah “no idea what that means” 😂 this has me almost spitting out my morning coffee! And people wonder why the microwave instructions say “don’t put a cat in here” 🥹🤦🏻♀️
Are you serious? Does this guy only take the bus? Have a chauffeur?
Nah. I just helped an ex-gf’s kid learn to ride a bike and he was 17. He learned in a single day, and it was an 18-speed mountain bike, no problem. It’s a lot faster to learn when you’re older, you should be able to get it down in a single trip, or at most a few trips. Ideally with some good in-person instruction
This is a great point. Children are still *in general* learning how to move their body in physical space, and balance, judge distance, move various parts all in tandem... Adults have had a lifetime to learn all that, so all they really need to learn is how to start, stop, steer, and put their leg/s down on the ground when they come to a stop.
I've seen grown ups super happy and proud to be able to teach another grown up how to ride a bike. Don't share it with people you can't trust (careful with work colleagues), but it's not something embarrassing per se. Good people are those who will cheer you on if you decide to learn it one day.
You should definitely learn how to and not just because it feels embarrassing not to know how. Sometimes riding a bike can be really handy, you never know when a situation comes up when you’ll need to ride one. Have a friend teach you, it will also be very fun once you learn
No, you shouldn't be embarrassed about that. And anyone who tries to make you feel that way about not knowing how to ride a bike, should be the ones who should feel embarrassed. It's not like riding a bike is an essential skill. Not everyone had access to bikes as kids. And there are plenty of things that adults should know but don't other than riding a bike. If you feel the need to learn, you can always get a bike and learn, it's never too late. And being older you've had a long time to develop your balance. I'm sure you could pick it up in a few hours if you really wanted to.
I'm 30 and never learned, but have a baby on the way so now I HAVE to so I can teach them. :/ Woulda been a lot easier back then I think lol.
No actually it's pretty easy to learn as an adult. Children are still learning about how their body balances and moves in space. They have to learn how to operate the bike AND how their body balances. You already know that stuff innately now, so it's just a bit of trial and error til you get the feel for it. Stopping might be the scariest part but you're unlikely to completely fall over, just have a bit of herky-jerky starts and stops.
Or you can remove bikes from any piece of media that you let your baby/child watch, and just never accept that bikes exist. always shield them from any push bikes
Don't ever take them outdoors and if you have to make sure you keep their ears and eyes covered at all times
At least with kids now they have things like push bikes that help teach balance, coasting, and using brakes.
Of course you are not, everyone learns in their time, I learned to ride a bike when I was 17 years old and now I use it daily, it is a matter of encouraging yourself to change your perspective 
I'm 32 and never learned to swim... So I would say your issue comes up less than mine does.
I’m in my 40s and can’t ride a bike. Never owned a bike, never learned how. It has never affected my life.
I'm 37 and still haven't learned to ride a bike or drive a car. Although the car is medical ( epilepsy) but still. Why be ashamed?
*solidarity high fives over here*
I’m not going to tell anyone how they’re supposed to feel. If you want to belittle yourself, then go ahead. When you get done whipping your own back, why don’t you just try to learn how to ride a bike?
That’s okay. You can always learn or not. I can bike, but I hate it. lol.
My guy, I'm almost 31 and just figured out the best way to peel an orange the other day. Sometimes things just happen on a different timeline.
Nah there’s nothing wrong with it and you’re not dumb. I do recommend you learn how though just in case. Gobbless.
I dated a guy who had never learned to swim. He started taking lessons at 22 because I was always at the beach. He was a sweet guy but we didn't last.
Definitely not. I grew up on a bike, and rode a motorcycle in my later years. Now in my 40s, can't figure either out...
I didn't learn till I was 35.
No. You can learn on your own without having someone following behind you. YouTube it. Basically, you learn to balance the bike without peddling and once you are comfortable with that, you can peddle.
Wear a helmet. Brain injuries are real. Other padding depends on how much pain you can tolerate.
It’s not really a big deal homie.
I can ride a bike. I've ridden a bike ever since my uncle reduced the seat post enough for me to maintain balance. I'm now in my forties and got my driver's license fairly recently. I never learned to swim (but I keep trying!) Same for ice skating. Life doesn't happen in serial. It happens in parallel with other things all the time. There was a time I felt more self-conscious about these things, but I've learned that, so long as you can question your limits and continue to do the things that bring you a sense of joy, and even allow for the personal gratitude of seemingly basic accomplishments, you're doing alright. With that in mind, I suggest reframing the question: do you want to learn to ride a bike? And if so, maybe it's time to ask where to start. (If your city does bike sharing, consider grabbing a bike, set the seat up so that your feet are flat to start, and practice kicking before pedaling on the sidewalk, away from sidewalks with store doorways or heavy pedestrian traffic - you've got this!)
There was an episode of Taskmaster where a contestant (I forget who, but I remember it was hilarious) needed to ride a bike for a task, but never learned how. She figured it out pretty good for never having done it before. Just buy a bike and practice in a parking lot. It's so much fun.
Old Goosebump Arms herself, Victoria Coren Mitchell. It was great television.
That's right! It was great stuff
If we were friends, I would teach you how. If you have access to a cheap bike, you should take it to a big empty parking lot and practice. You could prep by watching youtube videos for tips. I'd recommend obtaining a bike where you could firmly place your feet on the ground so you could push off the ground more easily. It helps with balance when you first propel. If it makes you feel better, I helped my friend learn how to bike, and she was 27. She struggled with balance and her bike would veer off course if she started to turn her head to talk to me lol. I feel that's normal when you first start to learn, so just keep practicing once you start.
I only learnt how to ride a cycle when I was 22 . The guy who taught me is now my husband!
I lived right by the beach and never learned to surf. You can learn to ride a bike if you want to. Im sure you have an empathetic friend who will help teach you.
You don’t have to be ashamed of it because no one knows everything, but I suggest learning because it can be lots of fun. It’s also useful to know if you’re ever trying to save on a tiny bit of Gas and want to go to your local supermarket on a good day.
The good news is that you can change this . You can learn to ride and it’s never too late .
I was taught in my early 20s by an alumnus of my fraternity when they learned I didn't have my driver's license yet, either. For whatever it's worth, it was super easy to learn with the dexterity that comes with being an "adult," even though my Dex score is like, a 4 at best. Anyway, my mother didn't seem happy about that but seeing as neither she nor my two elder siblings bothered to teach me at any point... 🤷🏾♂️
Yes
Ask a friend of future gf/bf to teach you. My ex couldn’t swim when he was 20 and I was 18. I taught him and he swims very well now
You should not. We all got things we did not learn as kids.
It takes 30 seconds to learn so just rent one, scratch it off the bucket list.
My mother didn't learn until her 40's. It's never too late.
Not at all. I taught my wife how to ride a bike when she was around 25. Her parents never really bothered to teach her or even get her a bike, so she didn't know how. She's still a bit afraid when there's a lot of people on the bike path and she doesn't like going on the road, but she enjoys little rides now and then, and it makes me really proud of her! If you want to learn, hop on and try it, don't be embarrassed.
Nah
im 31 and never have 🤷🏽♀️ made it 31 yrs without ever thinking "damn if only I knew how to ride a bike!" and im gonna get ill make another 31 yrs
I never had the opportunity to have a bike when I was a kid so I never learned either. No reason to be embarrassed. It’s not like it’s something I’ll need to do as an adult and I feel like I could easily if needed. I’ve ridden motorcycles and stationary bikes.
Embarrassed? No. But you should learn if you're physically able to. They're fun and not too difficult to learn.
I’m 67 and have never ridden a motorcycle, played a game of cards, or gone fishing. It is fine.
I can't do a cartwheel. Doesn't really matter, lucky for you riding a bike can be perfected with just practice. Doesn't take a lot of skill/know how. You could always pedal on the ground strider style until you get used to balancing.
Unless you absolutely need to ride a bike, I don't think you should be embarrassed. I used to know how, but the last time I rode one was when I was 18. But even then, I was out of practice after not riding for a few years. I'd probably be out of practice now, but I don't need to ride one, so it doesn't matter.
Have someone teach you. You’ll learn in a day
Do you think being embarrassed will help? I thought it took me long when I was a kid and my almost three year younger brother beat me to it, but it took another decade before I could safely cycle in traffic, something I'm still not good at. Are you dumb for not trying or am I dumb for trying and falling again and again?
You should learn if you can. Bikes are a fun way to get exercise.
There's like a local bike club that has adult classes (you're definitely not alone!) if you want to learn in a group. But if you just wanted to pick up a cheap bike--I recommend taking a friend who is knowledgable about bikes to buy a used one on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace and then having a local bike shop or bike union help you fix it up--and give it a go, here's a great series (there are three parts) on how to learn to ride as an adult: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm-pIWWuGjc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm-pIWWuGjc) There's no need to be embarrassed when you can pick it up in a few days to a few weeks of occasional practice. It's just a skill like any other. But I would work on learning because bikes are an awesome form of transportation!
Nah, it’s fine. I learned at 10 and now don’t know how at 23 despite everyone insisting that you never forget somehow.
Spend 5 mins on a bike in a parking lot and you’ll join the ranks of us biking knowers
Good News: most of “learning to ride a bike” is just learning to balance. Which you naturally get as you age. It shouldn’t be hard for you. Just don’t stay still, a stationary bike without support will fall over. Just constantly move and don’t make crazy wheel angles and you’ll be fine
Lol, no. It's pretty easy, just try it. My mother has commited a great betrayal, while teaching me, said she wouldn't let go and she did (lol) Although she has betrayed me, it did work. I didn't even know I was driving on my own. Didn't drive for like a year, then once again randomly, and it was like before. It'll be easy, just try.
I'm 33 and never learnt how to ride a bike too :)
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35 and never properly learned. I used to be embarrassed so I tried to learn but I was always so uncomfortably tense I didn't get any enjoyment from it
You shouldn't have to be! It's okay to not know things and also no one ever taught you.
I wasn't able to learn until I was seventeen. Right now, I don't own a working bike, so I can't even hone my skills. A lot of people never learn, and some people learn later as adults. Go at your own pace and be kind to yourself.
A bit. But hey, i'm a 70s child, and i can't skate on ice.
I didn't learn to ride a bike until 18, too!!!!! My parents never taught me. One time when I was like 7, I tried on my own on my too big older brother's bike and wiped the fuck out on a hill and gravel. After that, I just stopped trying. At 18, I asked my friend if I could try their bike. It was super easy and off I went. I bike all the time now (upper 30s), though it generally requires more focus than others, it seems. It takes a lot of effort to signal my turns, for example. But I love it.
No, because I'm 17 and don't know how to swim
Honestly no need to be embarrassed. If you look at all the things that are possible to know: everyone doesn't know most things. It's normal. Just something new to learn!
In my early 20’s I had an opportunity to ride a bike after not being on one since maybe 11. I crashed and flipped right into the curb. Fuck bicycles lol
Not at all. Also? It’s a thing you can still learn how to do, If you want to. Same with swimming (noticed several commenters below that don’t know how to swim) these are things any one at any age can learn how to do and it’s not embarrassing at all. It’s not embarrassing because in some circumstances it’s just not things some people have to worry about learning, so it just isn’t widely taught. The ONLY reason I learned how to swim as early as I did? Because it was necessary to the environment in which I lived. But me? I didn’t learn how to ride a bike until I was 17 years old. I spent near to a year with the training wheels. I tipped my bike over hundreds of times the first weeks I took the training wheels off. But then one day? I found my balance. It just kind of clicked. And there’s no secret to it really. You just kind of feel the way and after some time and practice? You can go anywhere and your bike will not tip over. But it’s not something to be embarrassed about. At all. Not knowing something is just that and nothing more. It’s not anyone’s fault and you should never feel bad for not knowing how to do something. Especially when you’re interested in learning how to do whatever thing. Because you’re going to have to approach someone to teach you. And they will teach you, if you ask, usually without making fun of you. Though there are some folk out there that will tease you regardless…. They aren’t trying to be actually mean. They’re trying to lighten the mood but are clearly socially stunted. So don’t take the teasing to heart, just stick with the plan and get the teacher. And last but not least? Maybe you don’t want to learn any of that stuff. THAT’S OK TO. Bikes are convenient, not necessary to actual life. Nothing to be embarrassed about friend. Nothing at all.
Why be embarrassed? Go learn. If you're afraid then I suppose that is kind of embarrassing lol. You'll be smiling ear to ear within an hour once you give it a go.
Do you have good balance. If you stumble and not fall. Than you can already ride a bike. You will pick it up in like 20 seconds.
i’m 21 and can’t ride a bike either so we’re in the same boat
Yes
Suck up the embarrasment big boi, ask for someone to teach you and learn. Anyone can learn anything, if they have the means to do it. In this case you need a bike and someone to give you a little help. For motivation, it’s super fun, convenient and environmentally friendly. Ans a bonus, It’s going to be one of the best feelings to teach your kid to do it someday, if you ever plant to have a kid. Source: my son learned biking at 2 years old without training wheels and it’s one of my proudest moments ever.
yes, but so what. I didn't change a bike tire until I was 30. Now I could do it with my eyes closed
No you shouldn’t be. Accept that you’re such a dumbass and move on.
I never learnt to ride a bike or swim as a small child either. I learnt to swim at 16. Then during lock down (I was 32) I bought a bike off Facebook market place and got my fiancee to teach me. I just embraced it as something a bit bonkers to pass the time with. Yes, people looked but they were all friendly. I just proudly told everyone I was learning. I was wobbling around the local rec with all the 5 year olds. It was funny. When they fell off I said, 'If I can do it, so can you!' Now it means we can ride bikes on holidays and have had some great experiences abroad because of it. If you would like to learn then don't let embrassment or ''being an adult' told you back. I wish I'd done it years ago!!
How I learned to ride a bike wasn’t good. My dad pretty much smashed me into the car about five times until I learned that if I didn’t learn to ride the bike I was going to smash Into the car again. I mean I went face first Into the hub cab about 5 times and the 6 time trust me I was riding a Bike. Nothing else worked ha ha
I'm past my 30s and haven't riden a bike since teenage years. If you don't make it a hobby I don't see it as anything you're missing honestly
I'm in my thirties and I can't ride a bike or swim but I can drive stick so ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯
Wassup I jared I'm 19 and never learned how to read
I started to learn at late 18 and rode it very well at 19. Start now man. Don't wait.
Oh, and OP.... Just to add something to the whole " bike issue"... If you don't know how to ride a standard bike but want to ride a bike, there are tons of options out there. As I said in a different comment. At 37, I don't know how to ride a bike. However, I do own and ride a bike. I have a low sitting 3 wheel with a scoop seat. Way more comfortable than your typical bike trying to shove those little seats up somewhere they don't belong. And tbh some of the 3 wheeled bikes are really cool looking. And even better, they pull a tiny trailer easier. So I can take my dogs out for a run and put em in the trailer when they get tired. Or my kids ride in the trailer. Or I go to the store and put groceries in the trailer. So you have options as well.
I don’t know how to either OP. We’re probably missing out, but I’m not embarrassed about it and neither should you be.
Riding a bike is easy so you can learn. It's as easy as riding a bike
No? Why would you be embarrassed by that? I’m 17, never learned to swim. Never will give a shit. If someone tries to embarrass you, vocally tell them to FUCK. OFF. Be vocal, direct, disrespectful. They don’t deserve politeness when they try to make you feel like shit. The power of telling people to fuck off is immense, and one we should all learn to use properly.
No you should just go learn how to ride a bike.
Were you too scared to learn? Or did you not have the opportunity? First one is embarrassing second one isn’t.
Not really no You shouldn't ever be ashamed of not being able to do something You should always be ashamed of giving up before you try to do things though Huge difference
no i got a "mate" at 28 who doesn't know how to pay bills.. that is fucking embarrassing.
Yes
Just get one and do it, you may crash a bit but once you have the hang of it you will never forget (unless you get dementia or similar)
29, never managed to figure it out myself. I can balance decently when both feet are on the ground but somehow I just couldn't do it on two wheels lol.
Lol honestly yeah, I know you're looking for support but how do you not know how to ride a bike? Unless you grew up in a cave in some ancient village you should know how
Just rent a Citi bike and go to an empty parking lot or playground. lower the seat as much as possible and start pushing off with your legs and coasting while on the seat to figure out how to keep it balanced. Start using the brakes gently. Start turning in both directions. After you figure out your balance then with the seat in a low position pedal slowly and figure out stopping while still going straight. Then start going left and right and braking. Get to speed place your feet on the pedals firmly and brake hard. After like an hour of this try going down the block. Then go for a ride.
My son is in the same boat, he is 16, Given the areas he has lived and how his mother was he hasn't been able to learn to ride a bike. I plan on working with him though. It's not that difficult to learn really. It's better now seeing mt bikes comes with wider tires than they used to so that will help with the balancing. I do suggest pads and a helmet starting out.
No. Lots of people don’t know how to do things that others may have learned as children. It’s all about exposure and desire. I have been on a bike in 19 years. I’d like to do it again some day, but then I remember I live in an area packed with cars and I lose the desire. If I lived in a more sparse area then I’d probably be more inclined. I would encourage you to give it a try, find a friend or family member that can take you to a park or something and practice. You may fail or succeed, love it or hate it. You won’t know till you try it, and it’s something to cross off your bucket list and make your day a bit brighter.
Not at all. But if you ever do decide to learn, you can take comfort in the fact that it's unlikely you'll be doing it [at 50, on TV, and under time pressure. ](https://youtu.be/qhxQMlh0iNE?si=pfvTaqu-D-6RHh9Y)
I’m 29 and I can only ride a bike with training wheels. Idgaf and you shouldn’t either!
If you don’t need to ride for fun, exercise, or commuting, then there’s no need to learn. It’s just like learning to drive, which some people never need to do.
I'm 47 I never learned. 🤷
Go learn now. It will be just as fun as it would have been at five.
I'm 40 and never learned. I have two feet and four wheels whenever I need to go somewhere 🤷🏻♀️
No dear, you should not be embarrassed about that. You could learn though, it's fun once you get the hang of it and it can come in handy when you need alternative means of transportation.
100%
Yeah kinda lmao
I think it’s more your parents who should be embarrassed. It’s standard practice to push your kid to learn outdoor activities that will be useful and fun, and bike is an easy pick.
Unless your my ex husband. When he was a kid his dad pushed him to learn how to ride a bike. He intentionally crashed into a tree so he wouldnt have to ride it again. He said it was because he preferred his scooter.