help with some riding fear

Go ride in downtown Pittsburgh where it is really scary, then go back to the lake and it will seem so serene and safe.

I got nothing really.  Biking is a fairly dangerous hobby.  I try to ride as safely as possible by riding in safe places and using appropriate safety and visibility gear.  You ride the same way.  Your lake route would meet my criteria for being safe enough.  Plus, it would be great scenery.  Beats the heck out riding the trainer.

TW

Mind over matter....just get out there and do it.  Let the stories spook you a *little*, as in just enough to be really conscious of your safety.  But not so much that it prevents you from doing something you enjoy.

I was hardcore spooked after a bad crash last year but I forced myself to get back out there just as soon as my body healed enough to handle it.  It was scary, but less so with each ride.  Eventually only the healthy amount of fear that is there to keep you safe remains. 

The longer you wait, the more you'll build it up in your mind to be worse than it is and you may never get back out there.

I was thinking the same thing, actually.  Anyone know if these work?

My best advice is to be aware... do whatever you can to be safe, and just ride.  Unfortunately, you can't help but share the road with cars, but most are careful (and here I say this as a car with plenty of space and a whole extra lane next to him came so close to me on my ride today that I felt his mirror across my left  forearm).

I like the idea of the mirror if it helps... again, the best friend of a cyclist is being aware.

I hear ya!  I haven't been out on the road since my HIM in June - and I got a new bike and it's only been on the drainer.  Ok it has been winter here in Melbourne - this weekend I'm determined though....

My fear is not being hit, it's more of making an idiot of myself coz I'm so cr*p at stopping! 

The paved paths sound good though ?  I have a track about a 40min drive from me and I go there - no cars it's only about 2km round but it's purely for cyclists and isn't used too much.  I need to go there practice my stopping and i'll be good to go again, it is just a confidence thing.

Do you have anyone you could ride with?

think positive and ride defensivly  the more you ride the more comfortable you will become.

also stop reading about people being hit by cars

I worry more about crashing going down hill fast and lossing all my teeth or goinng across a bridge and the wind blowing me into the water just two of those silly fears I have.

Like others said, go out with a group.  Really helps.

Duane

Bodaggit--?????I have used the Third Eye Pro helmet mirror for 15-20yrs and even have one on my Giro tri race helmet to this day. The helmet mirror works best for me cause it vibrates less there and gives me a larger field of vision close.

Hope this helps

My first thought is HTFU Cupcake!
 
Then again I am not very compassionate or sympathetic.  My issues I am ok with them. 
 
If you are thinking about such thinks you need to ride harder.  You have done something’s to make yourself more visible.  Get a flashy light on the front.  I am not a fan of mirrors as some suggested.  Imo they can make it worst.  There is some other great advice posted.
 
Just stay relaxed and time will easy your fears with more ridding.  Oh and stop read such articles.  You’ll get over it I have faith.