Originally Posted by
rpenmanparker
Right, but there are two mount/dismount mechanisms in common use. One is similar to the equestrian method where you start with the foot clipped in on one side and swing the other foot over the bike. The other is to swing a leg over the top tube first and clip it in on the opposite side with the other foot on the ground. Then push that pedal down and mount the saddle. Similarly for dismounting. Equestrian style you would stay clipped in on one side and swing your leg over the bike to the ground on that side. The other is to have the foot on the ground on the side to which you are swinging the other leg. Which foot is unclipped first could be reversed for those two different methods. I trust that is all clear!
Yeah I thought about that. Technically on a horse I'd keep the left foot in the stirrup and take the right foot out first. BUT, on a horse my right foot never really goes down. I never got used to leaning right or even the movement for putting my right foot down. (I realized this while mountain biking this weekend.) The deciding factor for me is that I swing my right leg over the bike, which is what I do on a horse. In order to swing my right leg over the bike if I'm stopped, my left foot has to be on the ground, therefore it comes out first. I often DO mount my bike like a horse though, I'll put my left foot on the pedal and swing my right leg over after the bike has started moving.
Another deciding factor for me is that I rode dirtbikes when I was younger. For dirtbikes that DO have kickstands, they're always on the left side, so I've always leaned left.
I also agree that unclipping your RIGHT foot and leaning right would more often result in my falling left, into the road. When I unclip and put down my left foot, that side is stable, and if anything I'll simply drop the bike between my legs, but I will not fall to the left.