I'm afraid to RIDE MY BIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?

Question

I'm 14, and not that great at riding bikes. I know how to pedal, stop, and all the physical stuff, but I just tense up, and don't breathe when I ride. I freeze when cars pass me, people look at me, and when I see a curb. What's wrong with me? How can I fix my problem without embarassing myself?

Answer 1

That's like me when I first took my bike on the road.  Before, I always rode in our yard (a big one) or in a private subdivision (hardly any traffic).  When I got to college, I needed the bike to get to school.  I used to ride on the sidewalk, but people would frown at me, and some would even holler "This is not a bike path!"  Fair enough, I did not belong there.  You just have to work up the guts to go onto the street.

1) Buy a map of your area showing the bike paths, and use the bike paths as much as possible.

2) Do not try to cycle fast.  I know there is pressure from other faster moving traffic -- they want you to hurry up.  s***w them.  They're the ones that will be at fault if they run into you, so they wouldn't dare.  One azs-whole even tried to intimidate me by swerving suddenly into my lane (a bike lane, between the regular traffic) and I scratched his car, serves him right.  Just keep calm and go at your own pace.

3) If it gets too much for you, dismount and walk your bike.  I do this a lot, especially when crossing the freeway or a very busy street.

4) With the help of your map, plot your route through the small residential streets, avoiding the busy streets.  It often is a longer route, but safer for you, and you'll feel more confident.

Answer 2

Maybe your g*y?

Answer 3

If you really don't breathe and do "freeze", you may be dealing with an anxiety disorder that none of our amateur tips will help.  You may benefit from discussing this problem with your parents, a school counselor, or your personal physician.  It is by no means an indication that you are "nuts", but this much anxiety indicates that you may need a little emotional health maintenance.  It's no different than the care I am sure you take of your physical health.

In any case, good luck.

Answer 4

Go to a bike trail and practice. SOunds like an internal conflict. Youre afraid to drive. Ask your parents about driving and learn a little more about biking from other riders.

Answer 5

It sounds to me like you just need to practice. If you're that scared, try riding away from a road where cars go by frequently. Try practicing at a park or a big parking lot for a while and work your way up.

You just need to get a feel for it.