Newbie... Riding Anxiety?

[shootingstar]

It's like I build it up in my head. Once I'm on the bike, it's fine, I feel wonderful and fabulous. I love my bike, so I know it's not comfort level or anything.. But before getting all set up I kind of dread it, and if I think about it too much, I actually feel kind of panic-y. I'm trying to figure out why.. I guess I'm afraid of getting a flat, or getting hit, or any number of things that could go wrong. I've found some good rural routes, but I still have to cycle through some traffic to get to them.. That stresses me out.

I love being out there, and riding. I just wish it wasn't such a battle to get myself onto the bike.

I'm wondering if anyone else goes through this, or if anyone has any advice for me?

Some of the major cities in Ontario do offer cycling skills course which would teach you how to ride in urban traffic, etc. I took the course during my lst yr. of returning back to cycling. Guess that was nearly 17 yrs. ago...

You might be surprised at the low cost or it may be subsidized. Toronto has been running theirs for years. Ottawa also is another strong cycling advocacy oriented area. Both areas might have their surbaban areas run their own programs by now.

Since my partner was also involved in local volunteer cycling work in Toronto, via him (with bike maps also) got to know the routes and how to string them together. I started cycling nearly 40% of the time on my own anyway, given our personal schedules didn't mesh all the time and he was living in a different part of town. So had about 5-6 routes that I knew very well (ranging from 16 kms. to 65 kms. each, always with at least 1 hill), where I would do these routes repeatedly with tiny variations, depending how I was feeling on the bike and weather....and just do 1 of these routes or on weekends, string together several in 1 huge loop (latter which would take me nearly the whole day) ) .

But then I couldn't make up too many excuses (except in wintery snowy days), since I didn't have a car then: the bike became one of my transportation modes.

Consider doing your ride if at all possible, during quieter roader traffic time of the day.

[Deshively]

Thank goodness I am not alone. Worried about traffic, being hit, flats and other things that it almost wasn't worth the ride. Just starting on the road so appreciate all the helpful suggestions. In the woods I am anxious about the moose and bears so I always bring the dogs.

[Owlie]

You're not the only one. I've flat-out told my boyfriend that there's no way (at this point) that he's going to make me ride on the roads. I haven't been on a bike in years. I'm not really worried about flat tires (I figure you really learn how to change those when you need to): I'm worried about the lunatics who drive around here. I know one person who got hit by a car (she was unhurt, apart from some bruises) and I don't think I can handle riding in traffic just yet.

His response? He laughed.

[Red Rock]

I have been a little more affraid of traffic and accidents too. I can change a flat, might take me a while but its doable. The scary car drivers, then all of those people on their cell phones while they are driving.

Recently, I have taken to the bike trails and routes for my safety. I would rather be safe than sorry. I feel for all of you who have been injured while riding. I do not trust cars while I am riding the bike. It makes it easier for me to deal with.

Red Rock