My wife suffered as well with fear, it took a long time working with her so that she was comfortable riding on gentle bike paths, and we never went out in traffic or had to cross streets as most of our rides went over or under the streets, things were going just peachy and she was learning and gaining a little confidence until one day a deer jumped out in front of her from some bushes on the side of the trail, startled her and she lost control of the bike and fell down, slightly skinning a knee and an elbow and making her hyperventilate and scared her senseless. That set her back forever I think. I ride by myself now, but if you don't find riding a bike enjoyable or can't ride without fear and are willing to accept a slight risk of toppling over then it becomes like work, and who wants another job?