Hi, fellow Jerseyian... Hmm, I think it would be easy enough to get lessons from a friend. Not sure you could even get lessens from a "pro" since I've never seen any professional bike teachers.. . (Where can I get a job like that?) When you get your first bike, it is best to already somewhat know how to ride cause you want to be able to test-ride bikes to see how comfortable they are for you. And, IMO, I found it easy when I was really young with my older sister who taught me how to ride. At first with training wheels and then without. Didn't use the training wheels for long though and as an adult, shouldn't need them cause you would be able to reach the ground, unlike small kids.

2)As far as type of bike, one that is comfortable. Once you learn to ride, try a road bike, a mtb, and perhaps a hybrid, see which one you prefer and go for it. Some are comfy in mtbs, some are comfy for roads. Mtbs will be better for going anywhere and in NJ, the potholes, but I ride my road bike here all the time. it's just a matter of preference. An entry level MTB will be cheaper than an entry level road bike though or hybrid.

Jay