Help breaking bad habits- I'm a mess

[ny biker]

When you are approaching a stop or anything you find a bit "hairy", you can clip out your chosen foot well in advance so you don't feel "stuck" in the pedals. That might help a bit with the fear. I'll unclip my right foot anytime I think there is a chance I might have to put a foot down. You can always clip back in without stopping if it turns out you don't need to.

This is an important point, too.

Also did anyone mention -- shift into an easy gear as you're slowing down before a stop. That will make it easier to start pedaling again with the clipped-in foot, making the whole process of sitting and clipping the other foot easier.

Also if you're in a situation where everyone is moving slowly for a while, like the beginning of a mass-start charity ride, keep one foot clipped out in case you need to put a foot down.

[khg]

When I got my bike, I stuck with platform pedals until I could reliably always lean the same way and put the same foot down when stopping. First I had to think about it a ton (and had a few interesting moments!) and then eventually it became automatic. Maybe put platforms on for a few days or something and go out and just start and stop, start and stop, making sure you always lean the same way and put the same foot down?

[ny biker]

I was thinking about this thread during my last ride. I've never consciously leaned the bike when I stop and put a foot down -- it just happens as a result of putting my foot down.

[Geonz]

I think the big problem is the big fear of falling over, and the only cure I know for it is practice... that Sunday morning parking lot with a curb is a good place for practicing stopping correctly - you can do it right next to the curb so you don't have to put your foot as far down to practice the "getting off the seat part," and then progress to doing in on just plain pavement.

There are things I just. can't. make. myself. do.... it's not rational and it's a royal bunbite...

[OakLeaf]

It's not the unclipping, because there are people who do the same thing on motorcycles. Cleats just add another complication.

If I were you, I'd put the flat pedals back on for now, with no clips either, until you've learned how to stop while remaining in control of your bike. Then practice, practice, practice.

One thing I didn't see anyone else mention here is initiating the lean *before* you stop. (Apologies if I missed it in skimming over this thread.) That's a critically important part of the sequence, but one that people who've been doing it forever tend to forget about. As you approach your stopping point, push gently forward on the handlebar on the same side of the foot you'll be putting down. That makes the bike start to lean toward the side that you pushed on. Now you're secure and you know which side your bike is leaning toward, and that it's going to be the side you're preparing to put your foot down.

Practicing with a curb as Geonz suggested is one way - but please don't get into the habit of using a curb when you're on the road. If you're that close to the curb when you're riding, you're putting yourself in a position to get buzzed, rear-ended or hit by a mirror while you're on the straights, and right-hooked at intersections.

[rebeccaC]

Using tension adjustment to make sure that not much effort is needed for getting in or out can make it easier when first using clipless. You also just need to learn to allow enough time to unclip a foot before a stop….that’s just training your reactions to associate stopping with un-clipping. Nothing wrong with using a foot unclipped on the pedals for a while either in stopping or starting.

We can be different in the ways we move in stopping or starting. What feels right and is comfortable for you to do is what’s important.

I use speedplay frogs cuz I can clip in on either side, I can adjust the cleat position and float easier to allow my knees to track in a comfortable pattern and with recessed cleats I can walk normally in my biking shoes.

Now…riding fixie helped me learn to maintain balance even when stopped before unclipping

[north woods gal]

As others have mentioned, it's all a matter of practice. Don't pass up going clipless because it's something new and scary. So many advantages. I go clipless on all our bikes - road, mountain, commuter and even fat.

If your bike can handle it, ride on grass to practice your stops. Beats falling on pavement. When you fall, and we all did it a time or two when learning, be sure NOT to stick your arm out to break the fall. That's a good way to damage you hand, wrist or arm. Just tuck in and absorb the fall with your shoulder.

Don't let a fall rattle you. Just smile and keep going. I remember a time back when I was learning that still makes me smile. I was on a bike trail, approaching a stop sign. On the other side of the intersection, a cute guy was also coming to a stop. Okay, I got a little distracted and forget to unsnap in time. Yup, toppled right over on my side in front of him. He rushed to my aide, but when he could see I wasn't injured, we both started laughing. One of my fondest memories, now.