Afraid of stopping and down hills

[ny biker]

When you brake on the downhill, make sure you feather your brakes instead of grabbing them too tightly. Lightly squeeze both brake levers at once. This will slow you down gradually. Try keeping your feet level (at about 3:00 and 9:00) when you're descending straight. When going around a curve, the foot on the outside leg should be down at 6:00 to help maintain your balance. I've found it also helps to point the knee of the inside leg inward while cornering and going around curves.

Oh, and don't forget to breathe.

For when you first start to pedal, start with one foot on a pedal and the other on the ground. For example, let's say you start with your left foot on the pedal. That left foot should be near the top of the pedal stroke, at about 2:00. Your butt should be leaning against your saddle, close to being seated. As you push the pedal with your left foot, immediately slide your butt back so you are sitting on the saddle. You will be more stable because you are seated, and pushing off with the pedal near the top of the circle will start you off with good momentum while you get fully situated (i.e., get the other foot on the pedal so you can speed up).

While you're riding around with platform pedals, pay attention to which foot you tend to put on the ground first when you come to a stop. For me, it's always the right foot. When (if) you decide you want to go back to clipless pedals, get into the habit of unclipping that foot first. Practice on an indoor trainer, and go back to the big empty grassy field to practice there, too.

Good luck!

[MyRubyE]

I'm a road newbie too and have the exact same problem, except my fear is more related to when I'm riding in traffic and stopping at traffic lights & stop signs. I'm afraid to stop and my body shakes, which effects my balance when its time to start again. Watching youtube videos to get the right technique down has helped; but it's a fear that I'm still working on overcoming.

[abejita]

Are you riding at Whiterock? I ride there a couple times a week!