You can, and you should ride! Cycling has been the only form of exercise I am consistent with. I imagine that's because it's fun.

I started out on my hybrid about 4 years ago. I have now lost about 50 pounds. Sure, it's been slow (and I still have a ways to go), but I'm going in the right direction. I now have a road bike as well. I couldn't imagine myself on a skinny tire bike back then!

I started out going 2 miles, tops, on my rides. All of a sudden that was easy and I upped it to 3, and so on. Last year, I finished a MS 150 ride (150 miles over 2 days). I am currently training for my first century! None of this seemed possible just a few years ago!

Don't let your family keep you off your bike! If it is something you love doing, keep doing it! The pounds will come off, and you will gain so much in fitness and more importantly how you feel about yourself! Just be sure to start slowly, and celebrate all the gains (even the small ones) you acheive.