Like Riding a Bike

Like Riding a Bike

They say if you fall off a bike you just have to get up and try again…actually that may be a horse, but sort of the same thing applies to a bike.  They also say that once you learn to ride a bike you never forget, you know that “It’s like riding a bike” thing.

Who are "They?"

I don’t know who “They” are either, but they say you should listen to “Them.”

When I first learned to ride a bike I fell a lot.  It was not a problem, young people may get a bruise or scratch, but they heal quickly.  When I was older and rode all over town I was a really good bike rider.  I rode with friends on the handlebar, I rode with no hands on the handlebar, I could even lean left or right to turn without touching the handlebar.

When I was even older, way older, it turns out it is not like riding a bike.  Oh I could still ride, but a bit rickety and with little stamina.  It seems you need stamina to ride for any length of time.  I am a bit leery of falling because at my age when you fall, things break, things like bones, and they don’t heal very fast at my age.

So, even though it is great exercise and a good way to reduce a carbon footprint, I got rid of my bike and either drive or walk to get from point A to point B.

Most old people should probably not ride bikes.  It is too dangerous for most older people.  Of course some old people can still ride and it is good for them.  I think every person should know if it is safe for them to ride a bike or not.

If a lot of old people get hurt riding a bike that is bad.  Maybe the Government should protect them and not allow old people to ride bikes.

Actually, some younger people get hurt riding bikes because they take so many chances, and really young people do get scrapes and bruises while they are learning.  Maybe riding bikes is just not safe.  Maybe Government should lock all bikes up until a much safer bike is invented.

If bike riding was outlawed until a safe bike was invented, it would save a lot of scrapes, a bunch of broken bones and even a life or two.  That would be a good thing; except the majority of the safe bike riders in the country would be denied a form of exercise and transportation that is beneficial.

Maybe a better idea would be to spend more time teaching new riders how to ride, and suggest that everyone, including the skilled daredevil riders, wear helmets.

Older people should probably just stay off bikes, unless they are still fit enough to ride, and then they should be extra careful.

It might even be a good idea for some people who are not fit enough to ride a bike to just stay indoors and watch others ride.

 

Most people can make that decision for themselves.

You know, until a safe bike is invented.