Recumbent bicycles make riding a bicycle more like sitting in a chair. Instead of hunching over handlebars and pedaling your feet in an almost upright position, on a recumbent bicycle you sit with your legs stretched out in front of you. The handlebars may be in front of you or down by your sides. Proponents of recumbent bicycles say they are more comfortable and faster than standard upright bicycles.
Step 1
Take your bike to a level, paved space such as a parking lot. You need a level place to start with so the bicycle won't roll backward before you get going.
Step 2
Straddle the bike and sit in the seat with your feet on the ground. Adjust the seat so that when your legs are fully extended on the pedals they're still at about a 15-degree angle. Most recumbent seats adjust by means of a lever or pins beneath the seat that allow it to slide back and forth until you find the right position for you.
Step 3
Squeeze the brakes on the handlebars to hold the bike in position. Raise the kickstand. On a recumbent bike, the kickstand is usually toward the rear of the bike.
Step 4
Walk forward with your feet on the ground until the right pedal is at the top of its arc.
Step 5
Put your right foot on the right pedal and push forward. Pick up your left foot and, when you feel the bike is balanced, put your left foot on the left pedal. Momentum will help you maintain balance, so don't pedal too slowly until you've got the hang of riding.
Step 6
Shift into a higher gear until you feel comfortable resistance against your feet as you pedal.
Step 7
Steer with your hands. On a conventional bicycle, much of your steering is accomplished by leaning your body from side to side. On a recumbent bike, this method doesn't work as well. Instead, steer by make small adjustments with your hands on the handlebars, turning the front wheel a little this way and a little that way.
Step 8
Stop by applying the hand brakes gently. You don't have to worry about being thrown over the handlebars if you squeeze the brakes too hard.
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