How to Dismount from a Bicycle

There are several ways you can dismount from a bicycle safely. Below are a couple of recommended methods to start with.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Basic Method

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    From the seated position, pedal on one side then lean forward to stand up on that pedal while lifting your butt off the seat. (This is the most important step. If you remain seated you will not have as much control over your bike once stopped.)
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    2
    Slow the bike almost to a stop, making sure to keep your balance. Use your body, rather than the handlebars.
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    Remove the higher foot from its pedal.[1]
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    As the bike comes to a complete stop, tip your bicycle slightly to the side with the freed foot.
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    Put that foot on the ground.
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    6
    Remove the other foot from its pedal and put it on the ground.
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    Lean the bike slightly as you swing either leg over the seat or through the frame if it's a female-style bicycle.[2]
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    Put your other foot on the ground.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

"Noob" Method

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    As you are riding the bike, swing one leg over the frame and onto the other pedal quickly.
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    In a swift motion, 'ditch' the bike and use the frame to vault forward.
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    Land safely and recover the bike.[3]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

"Jumpin' the Gun" Method

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    Build up some speed ahead of time.
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    Start "coasting" (stop pedaling. the bike still moves) when you are a few yards away from your destination.
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    When you are just a few feet away, GENTLY squeeze your rear brake. The bike should begin to skid.
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    SLOWLY remove your feet from the pedals and firmly plant them on the ground BEFORE the bike stops moving. It should come to an early stop.
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    Stand up. Swing a foot over the bike and walk it up to an optimal location.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

High Style Method

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    Swing a foot (usually the right foot is used but either foot is acceptable) behind the back of your bicycle seat, while the bicycle is still in slight motion. Note: If you have toe clips, be very sure to disconnect your pedal foot from them! If you forget this, you will find yourself literally slammed on the ground when your "swing" foot touches the ground to stop![4]
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    Coast to a stop with both feet on one side of your bicycle, with one foot on the pedal and the other foot behind it. Use your body rather than your steering to balance.[5]
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    3
    Once your bicycle is totally stopped, step onto the ground.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I safely dismount from a men's bicycle with a rear baby seat attached?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You would need to swing your leg over the frame in front of you so that you don't hit the baby.
  • Question
    I don't have brakes on my bicycle, so how do I stop?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should put brakes on your bicycle, riding without them is unsafe. For now, if you're tall enough, simply put your feet down on the ground to slow, and then stop your bike.
  • Question
    What if I crash after I place both feet on one side of the bike?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can jump backwards before impact if your reflexes are strong enough. Plant both of your feet in order to slow down, then right before the bike hits something, push off the front ball of your foot and backpedal.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpMQ6rK0hvw
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns3mpxzBW0s
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns3mpxzBW0s
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns3mpxzBW0s
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEdqlXKG_1I
  6. https://www.bicycling.com/training/a20005789/bike-mounting-and-dismounting-tips/

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 23 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 111,374 times.
96 votes - 87%
Co-authors: 23
Updated: February 16, 2022
Views: 111,374
Categories: Bicycles
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