A lot for a new roadie to take in.
I don't feel comfortable out there with the cars. I see others doing it, usually the ones in a pack, but I am still timid. I generally ride up on the sidewalk and wait there. I know- it's wimpy. How can I call myself a roadbiker when I do that? All the sidewalks have cutouts, so I don't have to get off the bike to get up on the sidewalk. I am inexperienced. Cars make me nervous because I am a nurse. I see the aftermath of bike versus car. It is never pretty. I don't want to be one of them.

My favorite rides are on the dedicated bike paths because there are NO cars. I am also very careful going by blind driveways. I have even been known to ride the sidewalks on particularly busy streets that lack a bike lane. It is legal to ride on the sidewalks in California, but I understand it isn't allowed in some states? Luckily, most of the streets around me have bike lanes. Many even have exclusive bike lanes outside of the car parking lane. Those are the absolute best because I know the cars can see me well, I don't have to veer out of the lane to go around a parked car and they are free of road debris and tree roots because they aren't on the edge of the street.


YES! You were very lucky, thank goodness. Thanks for the reminder. In the mean time- I will continue to be a wimp when it comes to cars. Sidewalks are cool.