My First Bicycle

Rahul asks his parents for a bicycle, and after getting one, he learns to ride and share it with his friends.

Meanings in Rahul, Vikram (father), Friend

Key words and phrases

bicyclea two-wheeled vehicle powered by pedalingHe asked his parents for a new bicycle.

balancethe ability to stay steady without fallingIt took him a week to learn balance.

training wheelssmall extra wheels that help a beginner balanceHe started with training wheels on his bicycle.

rentto pay to use something for a short timeHe rented a bicycle from the shop for an hour.

double ridingtwo people riding on the same bicycleDouble riding on a bicycle can be risky.

pedalto push the pedals of a bicycle to move itHe learned to pedal without falling.

handlebarthe part of the bicycle used to steerHe held the handlebar tightly at first.

fall offto lose balance and drop off a moving vehicleHe fell off his bicycle a few times while learning.

safety rulesguidelines followed to avoid accidentsHis father taught him basic safety rules for cycling.

take turnsto do something one after another, sharing fairlyThey took turns riding the new bicycle.

brakethe part used to slow down or stop a bicycleHe squeezed the brake to stop suddenly.

puncturea hole in a tyre that lets air escapeHis bicycle got a puncture on the way home.

chainthe metal loop that connects the pedals to the wheelThe chain slipped off while he was riding.

bella small device on the handlebar to signal othersHe rang the bell to warn the pedestrian.

cycling helmetprotective headgear worn while riding a bicycleHis father insisted he wear a cycling helmet.

wobbleto move unsteadily from side to sideThe bicycle started to wobble when he went too slow.

downhillgoing down a slopeHe rode downhill carefully, using the brake often.

potholea hole in the road surfaceHe swerved to avoid a big pothole.

geara mechanism that changes the pedaling effort neededHe shifted to a lower gear on the slope.

seat heighthow high the bicycle seat is adjustedHis father adjusted the seat height for him.

Useful sentences

Ask Papa, can I please get a new bicycle?
Answer Let's see if you deserve one for your good grades.
Ask Can you teach me how to balance on it?
Answer Sure, hold the handlebar tightly and pedal slowly.
Ask Can we rent a bicycle for an hour today?
Answer Sure, the shop nearby rents them cheaply.
Ask Can my friend sit on the back of my bicycle?
Answer It's not very safe, but ride slowly if you do.
Ask Did you fall off while learning to ride?
Answer Yes, a few times, but I got better quickly.
Ask Why is the bicycle wobbling so much?
Answer You're going too slow, try pedaling a bit faster.
Ask Should I wear a cycling helmet every time?
Answer Yes, always, even for short rides.
Ask Can you fix the puncture in my tyre?
Answer Sure, let's take it to the repair shop.
Ask Why does the chain keep slipping off?
Answer It might be loose; we should tighten it.
Ask Should I ring the bell before turning?
Answer Yes, always warn others before you turn.

Dialogue

RahulPapa, all my friends have bicycles. Can I get one too?

VikramLet's get you one this weekend. Have you learned to balance before?

RahulNot really, but I really want to learn.

VikramWe'll start with training wheels, and I'll teach you the safety rules too.

FriendRahul, can I take a turn riding your new bicycle?

RahulSure, let's take turns. It's more fun that way.

VikramRahul, always wear your cycling helmet before you ride.

RahulI will, Papa. Can you also show me how to use the brake properly?

VikramOf course. Squeeze it gently, especially when you're going downhill.

RahulGot it. I'll also watch out for potholes on the road.

Common mistakes

Saying "I fall from bicycle" instead of "I fell off my bicycle" (use the past tense "fell off," not "fall from").
Saying "He is sitting back side" instead of "He is sitting on the back" or "He is riding on the back seat."
Saying "Give me chance to ride" instead of "Let me take a turn" or "Can I have a turn?" (the natural phrase for sharing something).
Saying "My cycle got puncture" instead of "My bicycle got a puncture" (don't drop the article "a" before "puncture").
Saying "Press the brake" instead of "Squeeze the brake" (native speakers say "squeeze," not "press," for hand brakes).
Saying "The cycle is shaking" instead of "The bicycle is wobbling" (use "wobble" for unsteady side-to-side movement).

Quick quiz

1. What word means the ability to stay steady without falling?

2. Complete: "They ___ riding the new bicycle." (sharing it fairly)

3. What word means two people riding on the same bicycle?

4. What is a hole in a tyre that lets air escape called?

5. What do you call the part used to slow down or stop a bicycle?

6. What word describes moving unsteadily from side to side?

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