Getting on and off a bicycle seems to be trivial. Anybody is supposed to be able to do so. So why does the CosmoPolitical Cooperative care about this? And if we do, what do we propose?
Why is it important?
Getting on and off your bicycle the right way, securely, ebables you set your saddle at the right height, and to ride efficiently and comfortably.
The way you get on and off your bicycle determines the height at which you set your saddle. People who don't know how to get on and off their bicycle properly set their saddle at a height that enables them to keep both feet flat on the ground while sitting on their saddle and stopped, or at least the tip of both toes touching the ground. Thereby, they feel more secure when they start and stop. The problem with this method is that they thereby set their saddle at a height that forces them to keep their legs bent over the whole rotation cycle of their pedals. This is inefficient, because they don't benefit from the position of greatest strength when pushing their leg, which happens when the leg extends completely. This is also tiring, because the leg never extends completely, so that some muscles remain permanently contracted.
If you feel tired when cycling, you give up and prefer using a motorised (and hence far less sustainable) mode of transport, or you use more of your electric bicycle support than you need. This stand opposite to to the sustainable and healthy life that the CosmoPolitical Cooperative promotes. This is why we propose this practical factsheet.
How should I get on and off my bicycle securely - with the saddle at the right height?
Setting your saddle at the right height
You should set your saddle at a height compatible with you extending your leg completely when the pedal is at the bottom stage of its cycle and your pedal being pushed by the forward part of your foot - but still keeping your hips steady (without oscillating to the right or left).
Once this is done, follow the following instructions to get on and off your bicycle safely.
Getting on your bicycle
- Stand in front of the saddle, holding the handlebars with both hands.
- Set one pedal upwards and slightly forwards (at the "2 o'clock position" when seen from the side).
- Press the pedal down, use it as a step to lift yourself up and at the same time sit on the saddle.
- Start pedalling.
(Source: Swiss Federal office for sports)
Watch this video to have the full in-motion explanation.
Getting off your bicycle
- Slow down to an almost complete stop.
- Lean on your best-balance foot, pedal down, to lift yourself slightly off the saddle while detaching your other foot from its pedal.
- Pull the brakes to a complete stop. Take advantage of the strong deceleration when braking to slide naturally from your saddle and to put your free foot on the floor.
- Take the other foot off the pedal.
- Stand with both feet in front of the saddle.
(Source: Swiss Federal office for sports)
Watch this other video to have the full in-motion explanation.