Hi Wendy,

Just saying hello from a fellow newbie too! Welcome to the forum. Everyone is very friendly and you will find loads of help and information on these pages.

The advice I have found quite helpful is about spinning in a lower gear and not taxing your legs too much. It does work.
Make sure you have your rest days and are properly hydrated too.
I tend to ride in the mornings - like you, I live in a high traffic area and am nervous about riding in the midst of too many cars. There is a cycle path about a mile away which I have used, but I am also a bit nervous about riding along a path which is generally quiet! Can't win really!!!

Just keep getting out there on your bike and reading the forum - can't go too far wrong there!

Jen x