I have what I think is a unique problem. My husband used to be an avid runner and cyclist (recreational level) until he got hit by a car - broad-sided by a left turner when he was riding downhill at a fairly high speed. This was 14 years ago and we met briefly a few weeks before this happened and started dating shortly after. Anyway, his injuries weren't too terrible - several broken toes, a broken wrist, and mainly, a lot of rough cartilage under both knee caps which ended his running due to pain and limits his bike riding. Could have been much worse as he just started wearing a helmet the week before this happened and the helmet broke hitting the pavement.

The problem is...he has a problem with me riding in traffic. I've always loved riding bikes, taking 20-30 miles rides was a regular thing in my early 20's, up to the time we got together. We started doing a lot of hiking and other things together and I knew it bothered him a lot when I'd ride my bike so a slowly got out of that entirely. We have 2 kids who are 6 & 8 now and he has nightmares about them getting hit by a car on their bikes. He only wants them to ride on trails, not in traffic at all including just around the neighborhood.

We both grew up with bikes such a huge part of our childhood and I really don't think we should forbid our kids from such a normal part of childhood. I recently got interested in road biking again to lose weight and I just miss the fun of it! So I got a beautiful Trek 1600 last week and have taken a few get acquainted ride to learn to use the clipless (used cages before). Anyway, he's a bit pissed off about the whole idea because he knows that I know how much it bothers him. But I don't think his fears should keep me from doing something as health as bike riding.

Any suggestions on how to get him over the fear of me and the kids riding in traffic? Anyone gone through something similar? I like to think that me getting back into road biking should help him get used to the idea and I can get him to accept the kids riding around the neighborhood...maybe?

Thanks for any advice you have.