Two weeks ago, I panic-purchased an Aventon Level 2 after my car broke down & I realized I couldnāt afford repairs. My excitement (and delusions) have subsided now that Iāve put 10 miles on it. I am riding scared and am too afraid to take the bike anywhere but around the subdivisions.
About 10 years & 70lbs ago, I used to love commuting on my Giant Revel. I had no fear whatsoever and would ride to nearby cities regularly. I was in a really bad motorcycle accident and ever since then I have been afraid of the roads. I live in a suburb of Nashville, and things are not cycle-friendly here (no bike lanes/limited routes to avoid high traffic & higher speed roads) My commute to work is only 3.5 miles but itās all on a road that doesnāt have a shoulder, let alone a bike lane. Oh yeah- and the speed limit is 45mph.
I guess my question is: How do I proceed? Please give me tips, advice, and encouragement! I want to love riding again! I need to make this work. TIA!
by Midieval_Kenievel
3 Comments
About 3 1/2 years ago after an incredibly inspiring trip to Sweden, I bought my first E bike. I hated driving and I thought I could make my life work a lot like what I saw over there. I had not ridden a bicycle for over 30 years. At least not regularly. I did some roadwork with my dog just in the neighborhood around a couple of blocks maybe 15 years ago. That was about 50 pounds ago also.
Things were very shaky for a while with me and my new E bike. In particular getting that heavy rig down my big fat hill and dealing with really nasty drivers in my city was scary. I honestly rode those breaks all the way down the hill the first few times. Hard. I had even forgotten about paddling back-and-forth on the brakes because it had been so long since I had written. I went down that hill about 4 miles an hour the first few times.
I kept at it. I was gentle with myself. I found safer, easier routes. I still try to bike when people are not also trying to get to and from work when I can. I have a lot of control over my schedule in that way.
Iām so glad I did and I hope you do too. Practice and give yourself small manageable goals that will give you pleasure. Maybe just do a run to the coffee shop for a special treat. Try to ride when most people are not around at first. Do stuff to build up your confidence a small bit at a time. If you decide to ride with someone else, make sure they wonāt push you. My husband always follows me rather than having me having to try to keep up with him. This is a very good thing.
In your specific situation, consider practicing that 3 1/2 mile ride into work at a time when thereās almost no one on the road. Just knowing exactly what the route is and what the exact conditions on the infrastructure are, where the bumps are, where the road is a little bit Narrower or wider, or all of that really helps.
Basically take it easy and give yourself some time. You got this!
(sorry about the typos. I dictate when Iām on my phone and it does not go well sometimes.)
Would your commute afford you the luxury of re-routing to roads with less and slower traffic? or even at quieter times of the day?
Here are a few ideas to help you get back into riding with confidence:
* Adjust your work hours if possible to avoid peak traffic times.
* Search for quieter residential or secondary routes, even if they add a few minutes to your trip.
* Practice on weekends so you can learn the route and build comfort without time pressure.
* Ride steadily and claim your space on the road so drivers respect your position.
* Use bright lights, especially a flashing red on the rear, to make yourself more visible. Most cars will be more afraid of you than you are of them *if they see you.*
* Wear reflective clothing or accessories to increase visibility in all conditions.
* Take each ride as a small step toward regaining your old confidence.
With patience and steady practice, you can find that joy again. The road can be yours, You just have to ease into it and let your confidence grow.