How to Dismount Safely Going Uphill??

[Crankin]

I had some issues with this when I was mountain biking, but never on the road. I've walked (i.e. gotten off of my bike) twice, but thankfully before it became critical.
My issue is getting started on a hill. I mean even little rises. I know just about every alternative route to having to stop at a light/stop sign on a little rise, as I have been known to scoot myself across the intersection with my foot... not especially good for the cleats. If I am strong enough to get up big hills, I should be able to do this, but I get totally uncoordinated, especially if it is under pressure due to oncoming traffic.

[Velocivixen]

Thanks Marni & Crankin, fortunately I've gone up this same hill maybe a total of 2-3 more times since I've posted this and haven't had to get off. It's a .2 mile hill and looks deceiving from the bottom. I must say that I usually sit the entire time going up, but last time I decided to stand and pedal - only problem is that I forgot to shift to a higher gear, so I was in a way too easy gear to stand and pedal. I didn't want to shift mid-hill, so I just sucked it up, finally sat down and pedaled. I'm always thrilled when I'm at the top and my heart rate is about 175 bpm!

[indysteel]

It's usually fine to shift mid-hill. Just lighten up on the pedals a bit as you do it. I usually shift in the rear when my pedals are at 3 and 9 for that reason.

[emily_in_nc]

My issue is getting started on a hill. I mean even little rises. I know just about every alternative route to having to stop at a light/stop sign on a little rise, as I have been known to scoot myself across the intersection with my foot... not especially good for the cleats. If I am strong enough to get up big hills, I should be able to do this, but I get totally uncoordinated, especially if it is under pressure due to oncoming traffic.

I often have this problem too, particularly when cars are around (and, I assume, all eyes are on me). I have gotten better about it later, just forcing myself to puch down on the top pedal with all my might, but I still occasionally end up scooting on my toe for a bit!

[Crankin]

Maybe it has something to do with our "short" stature.

[Catrin]

Don't pay so much attention to the incline that you forget to clip out I was just reminded of this tonight... while I may be sore tomorrow the only thing really wounded is my ego.

I also have a problem getting started going uphill, so I am glad to know this isn't unusual - so I try very, very hard to not have to stop. As far as falling is concerned I think a sloping surface is even more of a problem for me since I only unclip/stop with one foot (past surgery issues). It isn't a problem very often, but very occasionally it does come up.