Two meanings, one useful
“Riding with your feet off the ground” can mean two quite different things. One is a beginner’s learning drill: rolling a short distance with both feet lifted from the ground so the bike carries you, which is how many people discover that a bike can balance when it is moving. The other is a showy trick that involves lifting the feet high or away from the pedals, which is covered separately in our article on feet off the pedals.
This page is about the first meaning. It is for new riders who have not yet found their balance, and it is a gentle step, though still not risk-free. Wear a helmet and suitable protection such as gloves and knee pads, practise in a flat, smooth, traffic-free area, and move in small steps. No guide can promise that you will not tip over, but this approach keeps the speeds and heights small.
Why gliding teaches balance
A bike that is rolling is easier to balance than one that is standing still, because small steering movements can keep it upright. The idea is explained more fully in bike balance and in steering to balance. A beginner who sits tight on a tall saddle, with feet reaching for the ground, spends most of the effort fighting the bike. A rider who is low enough to put both feet flat down can push off, lift the feet and let the bike coast, which gives a feel for the wheels doing the balancing work.
This is the same principle as a balance bike, covered in balance bikes, which has no pedals at all and lets a rider learn to glide first. Adults and older children can borrow the idea by lowering the saddle.
Set up the bike
- Lower the saddle until both feet can rest flat on the ground with knees slightly bent. How low depends on your legs and the bike, so adjust a little at a time. A very low saddle is for practice only, and you should return it to a comfortable height for normal riding. See setting saddle height for what a normal position looks like.
- Check the bike. Tyres firm, bar tight, brakes working. A quick pre-ride bike check and a brake test take a minute.
- Consider removing the pedals if you can do so safely or ask a shop to. Many learners find it easier to glide with nothing to catch their ankles. If you leave the pedals on, be mindful of your shins.
- Wear a fitted helmet and closed shoes. See choosing a helmet if yours is old or loose.
Choose the place
A gentle, smooth, empty surface works best. A very slight downhill can help gliding, but it also makes stopping harder, so avoid anything steep. Keep away from roads, car parks with moving traffic, gravel and busy shared paths. A large empty tennis court or a quiet closed path is a good example, if allowed.
The drill
- Scoot. Sit on the lowered saddle and walk the bike forward with both feet, looking ahead rather than down.
- Push and lift. Take a longer push, then lift both feet a few centimetres for a second. Put them down again.
- Longer glides. As you feel steadier, hold your feet up for a little longer. Keep your arms relaxed and your grip light.
- Gentle steering. Steer slightly to each side while gliding. You will notice that small turns help the bike stay upright.
- Practise stopping. Learn to slow with the brakes and put your feet down. If you are not sure about braking, our articles on front vs rear brake and braking control explain how.
- Build up in short sessions. Many learners find two or three short sessions more productive than one long one. If you feel tired or frustrated, stop.
This is a learning drill and it does not need to be taken further. When you can glide steadily, you can raise the saddle and begin pedalling. For the full path from here, see learning to ride and, if nerves are an issue, fear of falling.
What to avoid
- Lifting your feet while going downhill or at speed.
- Doing it near other people, vehicles or hard obstacles.
- Raising your feet high up or crossing them in front of the bike, which is a different trick.
- Practising when tired, in wet conditions or with a loose helmet.
- Feeling pressure to progress quickly. Comfort comes at different speeds for different people.
If you tip over, a low saddle usually means a short drop, but you can still scrape a knee or jar a wrist. Knowing about low-speed tip-overs and how to fall off a bike more safely helps you feel less anxious about it.
When to ask for help
If you are an adult learner or are helping a child, a patient instructor or a friend on foot beside you can make the process calmer. Local clubs and community programmes sometimes offer learning sessions, and a skills lesson can show you what to work on. If you are teaching a child, follow the manufacturer’s guidance for any equipment, keep the child away from traffic, and make sure the helmet fits. Learning at your own pace is the safest approach, and there is no deadline.