Years ago, I rode my motorcycle to work as did several coworkers. Heading back in after lunch one day, I came upon an accident scene. Motorcycle vs. big rig. There was no mistaking the custom paint job on my coworker's bike. I stopped and the cop on the scene told me he wasn't going to make it. This was before cell phones and I had to go track down his wife and get her to the hospital. They had two young daughters. It hit me hard.

I kept riding for a while but didn't enjoy it. Finally sold the bike. A few years ago I was thinking of getting another motorcycle when I stumbled across bicycling. Now I'm out there in heavier traffic on a 25lb. bike and don't really think much about the "what ifs?".

You need to deal with your feelings and do what feels right for you. All the safety gear and riding expertise is worth little if you don't want to be ohut there. You may need to take a bit of a break and give yourself time to figure it all out.