New Delhi, June 1 -- "This is what we call the death grip," Parag Patankar, the volunteer guiding me, said, not unkindly. He was right. Unconsciously, my arms had become ramrod stiff and I was holding the bicycle handlebars tightly, as if for dear life. My feet were firmly planted on the ground but I was a bundle of nerves as I sat astride the bicycle and viewed the gentle slope I was to go down with trepidation.

When other people turn 40, they set glamorous targets like running a marathon or going on an arduous trek. I decided to learn to ride a bicycle-child's play for those who know it but no less intimidating than summiting a mountain for adults like me who don't.

Unlike driving, formalised avenues for adults to learn cycling are no...