<p>Riding a bicycle is the clasical example of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procedural_memory" rel="nofollow noreferrer">procedural memory</a>.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Procedural memory guides the processes we perform and most frequently
  resides below the level of conscious awareness. When needed,
  procedural memories are automatically retrieved and utilized for the
  execution of the integrated procedures involved in both cognitive and
  motor skills, from tying shoes to flying an airplane to reading.
  Procedural memories are accessed and used without the need for
  conscious control or attention.</p>
  
  <p>Procedural memory is created through procedural learning or, repeating
  a complex activity over and over again until all of the relevant
  neural systems work together to automatically produce the activity.
  Implicit <strong>procedural learning is essential for the development of any
  motor skill or cognitive activity</strong>.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>When we learn to ride a bicycle, the brain is learning the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_control" rel="nofollow noreferrer">motor movements</a> necessary to maintain balance. This learning occurs mostly at the unconsious level, and this is probably the reason why you have the illusion that nothing is learnt.  </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Motor control is the process by which humans and animals use their
  brain/cognition to activate and coordinate the muscles and limbs
  involved in the performance of a motor skill.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The procedural memory is a type of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-term_memory" rel="nofollow noreferrer">long term memory</a> which has a long lasting effect.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-10-27T08:59:12.817Z
2017-10-27T08:59:12.817Z
DesignerAnalyst
<p>Why do we need to learn to ride a bicycle? We just need to pedal and move the handle. I don't think balancing needs to be learnt. What is the thing we need to learn to ride a bicycle or is it just telling the brain that it is ok? And why do we not forget cycling? Thank You.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-10-17T19:39:59.993Z
Can you walk on your hands and walk on a cord? Can infants walk the moment their legs can hold them physically? They're just balancing acts according to your reasoning...
AliceD
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-10-18T05:20:46.020Z
You should do some research on how balancing works. It is not just about holding your head straight. You can start here: [Balance (ability)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_(ability))
user3169
<perception><learning>
What is there in learning to ride a bicycle?
Ram Keswani
# What is there in learning to ride a bicycle?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-10-17)

Why do we need to learn to ride a bicycle? We just need to pedal and move the handle. I don't think balancing needs to be learnt. What is the thing we need to learn to ride a bicycle or is it just telling the brain that it is ok? And why do we not forget cycling? Thank You.

**Tags:** perception, learning

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Can you walk on your hands and walk on a cord? Can infants walk the moment their legs can hold them physically? They're just balancing acts according to your reasoning...  
> **username_2**: You should do some research on how balancing works. It is not just about holding your head straight. You can start here: [Balance (ability)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_(ability))  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2017-10-27. Score: 2

Riding a bicycle is the clasical example of [procedural memory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procedural_memory).

> Procedural memory guides the processes we perform and most frequently
> resides below the level of conscious awareness. When needed,
> procedural memories are automatically retrieved and utilized for the
> execution of the integrated procedures involved in both cognitive and
> motor skills, from tying shoes to flying an airplane to reading.
> Procedural memories are accessed and used without the need for
> conscious control or attention.
>
> Procedural memory is created through procedural learning or, repeating
> a complex activity over and over again until all of the relevant
> neural systems work together to automatically produce the activity.
> Implicit **procedural learning is essential for the development of any
> motor skill or cognitive activity**.

When we learn to ride a bicycle, the brain is learning the [motor movements](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_control) necessary to maintain balance. This learning occurs mostly at the unconsious level, and this is probably the reason why you have the illusion that nothing is learnt.

> Motor control is the process by which humans and animals use their
> brain/cognition to activate and coordinate the muscles and limbs
> involved in the performance of a motor skill.

The procedural memory is a type of [long term memory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-term_memory) which has a long lasting effect.


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