The Balancing Act of Learning to Bike as an Adult

Jason Horowitz waves and flashes a big smile when we meet up at a metro station in Arlington, Virginia. He’s agreed to take on a challenge that, for me, has felt impossible my whole life. On this sunny afternoon, I’m finally learning how to ride a bike.

The contradiction has never been lost on me. At CityLab, we’re biking enthusiasts. We write about the health and environmental benefits of exchanging steering wheels for handlebars. We’ve covered the latest in cycling infrastructure and bike share programs. Many staff members are avid riders. And yet among them, hiding in plain sight, is a 26-year-old who could barely get her feet on the pedals.