I want to start cycling but I AM SHY!!!

[Geonz]

Yes, the question is "why shy?" Not to invalidate it...So... psych yourself up and ease into it. Hill slug's idea is excellent.
I figure that when I go out and do something stupid that I'm making it easier for somebody else who's *afraid* to do something stupid, 'cause they see me and realize that gosh, it caused no major injury or trauma. I"m afraid I have **many** such stories, though fewer now that I know not to do anything, anything at all without having that morning tea.
(Which this morning was tough because I was running late and figured I'd just make a cup in the microwave instead of putting the teapot on, except that if you forget to put water in the cup all that happens is the teabag catches fire.)

Until you go out on a group ride you've made a *huge* deal about going out on, and put your wheel on with the derailleur on the wrong side and tried to ride, don't tell me about feeling stupid ... or ridden ten miles with a kickstand stuck in the wheel... or a ball point pen in your helmet (I wondered why it hurt)... )