Do you have one of these?
You can really see these suckers.
Do you have one of these?
You can really see these suckers.
2008 Trek FX 7.2/Terry Cite X
2009 Jamis Aurora/Brooks B-68
2010 Trek FX 7.6 WSD/stock bontrager
In addition to the advice above (I was like Crankin...heart rate jumped the minute I stood over the bike), three things that have worked for me are: 1) drive the route before I ride it, 2) get on the road early in the morning before traffic picks up, and 3) even if it is only a few miles, put the bike in the car and drive to a start point where you feel safe. Regular commuting has also really helped me reduce my pre-ride anxiety.
I had some anxiety before I started riding on the road. We have no choice but to do it here, unless we pack up the bikes and go somewhere and right now we can't fit both bikes in one of our vehicles. I chose a couple roads that are well traveled, but have 25 mph speed limits and the road is wide. I hope I never have an accident and say prayers for those that have and have been injured. I feel a little better now that I've rode about 60 miles on the road, but also look forward to being able to ride on paths.