Hi there SweetN!

Before you venture out into the street using any vehicle at all, you should obtain a copy of your states drivers license handbook. Just go to the DMV and pick one up. Read thru it very cafefully everyday, until you can honestly say that you're ready to take the test (though you're not really going to take the test). Make certain that you familiarize yourself with all of the various traffic signs. That's the most important thing to know when cycling, other than yielding the right of way to pedestrians. Also, make certain that you know all of the hand signals.

Next, practice riding on suburban streets every Sunday morning for just about 90 minutes or so. When that becomes boring, ride on the same streets, every Saturday morning around the same time, say from 7 to 8:30am. When that becomes boring, change the times from 3 to 4:30pm, on Saturdays.

Next, plan a trip. Find a bike map of your city. Take a bus to some distance about maybe 10 miles from your home. Ride on streets and thoroughfares that are designated as having bicycle lanes from the point where you exited the bus, back to your home. After about two or three times of this planned cycling venture, you should have worked out the bugs, enough to be over your street phobia.

Try to find a riding buddy. Always wear protective gear. Always protect your arithmetic! Always carry pepper spray!

- Slim

PS.

Taking a bicycle safety course can only help you. However, if you'd just remember and practice what's on the following website, you'll be better than most: http://bicyclesafe.com

* Always walk your bike across the street when you find yourself at major intersections and you don't feel confident.

Confidence says, "So what? ...Another intersection! ...Big Deal!"

Don't worry! As confident as I am about cycling practically anywhere, I still get the jitters, sometimes...

We all do!