Afraid to ride

[Catrin]

Wanted to ride yesterday but was much too busy, and today we have winter again I've sold my expensive bike rack so I get to take my wheel of my bike again to transport it - but since I can't ride as often as I once did that won't be a problem. I really want to ride, but am nervous since I've not ridden since October when a cyclist and I (in my car) entered a really bad intersection at the same time It was a REALLY BAD intersection where the driver literally can't see if anyone is on the trail until the vehicle is actually blocking it, and the cyclist wasn't paying attention. None of that was at question, thankfully there were witnesses and everyone agreed what happened - all the police would say was that it was a notoriously bad intersection for that reason. That being said, it's been hard to get that image out of my head of her lying on the ground screaming, and her tacoed front wheel just staring at me.

Thankfully she wasn't too seriously hurt, though she did have a knee injury. It could have been worse since she didn't have a helmet - I hope she wears one now. My insurance took care of everything - that is why I pay them!

Since then they've placed a stop sign for drivers before the trail intersection, but that is rather useless as you STILL can't actually see anyone on the trail until you are blocking it - they actually need a mirror. Either that or remove a big retaining wall from a parking lot that blocks the view. Between that and my neck, I am a bit nervous at the thought of riding, I WANT to ride though, so hopefully I can force my way through this. I just couldn't post about it when it happened.

[Crankin]

Catrin, it sounds like you are having some trauma symptoms. PM me, I'll give you a few suggestions to get rid of those images.

[OakLeaf]

((((((Catrin))))))

That must have been really traumatic. Can you avoid that intersection when you ride?

Hope you can get out for a short cruise soon and start building your confidence back.

[Catrin]

It was, because it was the one situation I've been scared would happen since I started riding in traffic - but ME as the cyclist, not as the driver. Yeah, some of those images are still there.... PM coming Crankin. I just wasn't capable of talking about it here at the time, though I did talk to someone about it.

[Wahine]

((((Catrin)))). I have no advice, accept to look into dealing with the traumatic memories as Crankin suggested.

[salsabike]

Catrin, I totally feel for you and I think this could happen to any of us. Crankin, if there are any tips you can share here as well, we'd appreciate it--thanks.

[Becky]

Crankin, would you be willing to send me those suggestions as well, or post them publicly? My head still isn't in the right place after my mountain bike crash last fall. Thanks!