I'll second Jiffer's comments about a tandem. My DH has had to deal with my anxiety in many areas and he's been very patient. I was terrified of going down any incline, turning any corner, or going into the street when we started riding in April. So he backed off on his desired cadence level and I've gotten stronger. We're on bike paths for the most part too - I wouldn't be very comfortable in the street. Some of our rides now get us out into streets more than when we started - but I'm reassured because I know that dh is making eye contact with drivers at intersections and we always follow rules of the road (even while other bikers all around us blast through the stop signs or turn in front of cars...makes me nuts.) He gets a good workout too, because our efforts are at different levels. Some days he just ends up pulling for us both because I give out. But I warn him ahead of time when that's coming. And we have lots of communication all the time - that's the basis for tandem riding for us. Comfort level increases though with time and repetition. And then confidence will generate into better rides for you too!!