Walk, since it's only a short way to ride (6)
I believe the answer is:
stride
'walk' is the definition.
(stride can mean to walk around)
'way to ride' is the wordplay.
'way' becomes 'st' (abbreviation for street).
'st'+'ride'='STRIDE'
'since it's only a short' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stride that I've seen before include "Long walking step" , "march" , "jazz piano-playing" , "Long decisive step" , "Walk along in direst way" .)