11 Cycling Questions I Wish I Had Answered Sooner (From 155,000+ Miles)
Last Updated: May 2026
Quick Answer: Most cycling questions come down to a few basics: ride with traffic, stay visible, stay comfortable, and be prepared for problems before they happen. After 155,000+ miles, these are the answers that actually matter.
I’ve ridden more than 155,000 miles over the years.
I wasn’t always confident on a bike. I learned most of this the hard way—through close calls, mistakes, and a lot of miles.
These are the questions almost every cyclist asks at some point… and the answers that actually matter when you’re out on real roads.
1. Do I Need a License to Ride a Bicycle?
No. You don’t need a license for a regular bicycle.
But here’s what matters more: you’re expected to follow traffic laws just like a car. And if you don’t understand that early, you can put yourself in bad situations fast.
If you're riding near traffic, awareness matters more than paperwork.
That’s one reason I never ride without a mirror anymore. I’ve used a Take A Look mirror since 2014, and I honestly believe it has saved my life more than once.
2. Which Side of the Road Should I Ride On?
Always ride with traffic.
Going against traffic might feel safer, but it actually gives you less reaction time and confuses drivers.
The real issue most cyclists don’t think about is what’s coming from behind.
That’s why I rely heavily on the Garmin Varia. It alerts me to vehicles long before I can hear them, and it has completely changed how confident I feel on the road.
If traffic worries you, read this next:
Top Cycling Visibility Tips for Riding in Traffic and Low Light
3. How Do I Set My Saddle Height Correctly?
You want a slight bend in your knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
Too high, and you’ll feel unstable. Too low, and your knees will start complaining.
But here’s the bigger truth: perfect fit matters more than most cyclists realize.
If riding consistently hurts, you won’t keep riding. It’s that simple.
Comfort is what keeps you coming back tomorrow.
4. What Should I Wear When Cycling?
You don’t need to look like a pro cyclist—but comfort matters more than people think.
- Padded shorts or bibs (huge difference on longer rides)
- Gloves (reduce vibration and improve control)
- Helmet (non-negotiable)
- Eye protection
I personally ride in bib shorts and gloves every time I go out. Without them, longer rides are just not enjoyable.
👉 See cycling bib shorts on Amazon →
👉 See padded cycling gloves on Amazon →
5. What Hand Signals Should Cyclists Know?
You don’t need to memorize everything—but you should know the basics:
- Left turn: left arm straight out
- Right turn: right arm out or left arm bent upward
- Stop: left arm bent downward
But I’ll be honest—these matter less than being predictable and visible.
Drivers don’t always understand signals. They do understand movement and visibility.
6. How Do I Fix a Flat Tire?
The first time you get a flat miles from home, you’ll realize how important this is.
At minimum, carry:
- Spare tube
- Tire levers
- CO₂ inflator or mini pump
- Multi-tool
You don’t have to be an expert—but you need to be prepared.
👉 See flat repair kits on Amazon →
7. How Do I Find Good Routes?
Early on, I wasted a lot of time on bad roads.
Now I rely on tools like:
- Ride with GPS
- Strava
But the best advice?
Start simple. Ride close to home. Build confidence first.
8. Can I Ride on the Sidewalk?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no—it depends on local laws.
But even where it’s allowed, sidewalks can be dangerous:
- Driveways
- Intersections
- Pedestrians
Personally, I feel safer being visible and predictable on the road than hidden on a sidewalk.
9. What Should I Do If I Get in an Accident?
First: check yourself.
Then:
- Call for help if needed
- Exchange information
- Document everything
And after that, take recovery seriously.
One bad experience can stop someone from riding again. Don’t let it.
10. How Do I Lock My Bike Safely?
Use a real lock. Not a cheap cable.
Lock the frame to something solid. Preferably both wheels too.
And always choose visible, well-lit areas.
👉 See high-quality bike locks on Amazon →
11. What Gear Actually Matters Most?
After all these miles, here’s the truth:
Most gear is optional.
But a few things are not.
- Helmet
- Mirror
- Rear awareness (Garmin Varia)
- Gloves
- Comfortable shorts
If you fix safety and comfort, everything else gets easier.
👉 See MIPS bike helmets on Amazon →
Final Thoughts
Cycling doesn’t have to be complicated.
Most of what matters comes down to this:
- Be visible
- Stay comfortable
- Be prepared
The more predictable and confident you feel, the more you’ll ride.
And the more you ride, the more everything starts to click.
If you want to go deeper, start here:
Cycling for Seniors: Smart, Safe, and Life-Changing Tips
Two Cycling Safety Tools I Trust at 70 (Mirror + Radar)
Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight?
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