[IndiaJones]

I loved to cycle as I child, I'd go out on the road by myself for hours just cycling up and down the road. But now aged 16, I am scared or cycling on the road. When I was 13 I was minorly hit by a car, and all I can remember is the driver swearing their head off at me. So now I am frightened to get on the road, I am severely unfit and haven't ridden a bike for about 3 years. Also, I am overweight and self conscious of my size, so I don't want people at my school who live near me to see me cycling. I live in a rural-ish area, and having watched too many episodes of Crimewatch late at night, I am scared that I will get stabbed/murdered/raped ect. Although where I live is rural, there are a lot of cars.

How can I overcome my fears?
Any advice is appreciated.

[Marco1]

One approach could be to get involved in some other pursuit (like a club or social group, team sport) that will build your self-confidence and after that cycling may not be so daunting. Don't despair though, we all have our fears. Good luck.

[Ursin]

Try cycling somewhere that isn't on the road to start with, like the park perhaps? Then you can sort of work your way up to quieter roads etc.
I think facing your fear is the best way, I was cycling when I fell into the canal (granted not as dangerous as a car, but still scared me a bit) and I made sure I got back on my bike as soon as possible so that I realised that it probably wouldn't happen again.
Regarding the other people from your school, just think 'screw them!' because they would have no reason to laugh at you for cycling, and if they do laugh/make comments, then just remember that you're better than them and they're not worth it. Or if you really can't face seeing them, maybe you could try cycling off-road.
And the chances are, you won't get stabbed/murdered/raped in broad daylight. If you like you can stay near houses so you feel more comfortable.
Alternatively, there are plenty of other keep-fit activities you can do for free, i.e. walking, jogging.
Hope you get it sorted

[mikeyd85]

(Original post by Ursin)
And the chances are, you won't get stabbed/murdered/raped in broad daylight.

To add to this, if I were a rapist coming after OP and she had a bike, I really don't think I'd be able to keep up...

[IndiaJones]

(Original post by Marco1)
One approach could be to get involved in some other pursuit (like a club or social group, team sport) that will build your self-confidence and after that cycling may not be so daunting. Don't despair though, we all have our fears. Good luck.

Thank you for the advice and encouragement. I'll probably try to get a little fitter before I join any clubs, I don't want to embarrass myself.

Thank you

[IndiaJones]

(Original post by Ursin)
Try cycling somewhere that isn't on the road to start with, like the park perhaps? Then you can sort of work your way up to quieter roads etc.
I think facing your fear is the best way, I was cycling when I fell into the canal (granted not as dangerous as a car, but still scared me a bit) and I made sure I got back on my bike as soon as possible so that I realised that it probably wouldn't happen again.
Regarding the other people from your school, just think 'screw them!' because they would have no reason to laugh at you for cycling, and if they do laugh/make comments, then just remember that you're better than them and they're not worth it. Or if you really can't face seeing them, maybe you could try cycling off-road.
And the chances are, you won't get stabbed/murdered/raped in broad daylight. If you like you can stay near houses so you feel more comfortable.
Alternatively, there are plenty of other keep-fit activities you can do for free, i.e. walking, jogging.
Hope you get it sorted

Thank you very much. All this encouragement has made me realise how silly I am probably being. Hopefully I will be able to take myself on a bike ride soon, just to test the water. If all else fails I'll join the Zumba cult.

[IndiaJones]

(Original post by mikeyd85)
To add to this, if I were a rapist coming after OP and she had a bike, I really don't think I'd be able to keep up...

Haha, I'm not sure how much I can believe someone who puts "If I were a rapist" in a sentence.

[mikeyd85]

(Original post by IndiaJones)
Haha, I'm not sure how much I can believe someone who puts "If I were a rapist" in a sentence.

I'm sure you get the idea. You aren't going to get attacked riding a bike. You're too fast for the average bear.

[Ursin]

(Original post by IndiaJones)
Thank you very much. All this encouragement has made me realise how silly I am probably being. Hopefully I will be able to take myself on a bike ride soon, just to test the water. If all else fails I'll join the Zumba cult.

No problem, and you're not being silly! I know how sometimes when you haven't done something for a while, the fear can grow in your head so it actually seems worse than it is

[IndiaJones]

(Original post by mikeyd85)


I'm sure you get the idea. You aren't going to get attacked riding a bike. You're too fast for the average bear.

Yes Touch wood.

[Marco1]

(Original post by IndiaJones)
Thank you for the advice and encouragement. I'll probably try to get a little fitter before I join any clubs, I don't want to embarrass myself.

Thank you

Your welcome. Just to add it wouldn't have to be a fitness type club. There must be other groups that cater for young people that don't fancy running about like a maniac, like a choir, a drama group, or a book club. No worries if the idea of a group thing doesn't appeal though. Just suggestions, that's all. But I imagine the involvement can be a good way to meet new friends and be quite liberating.