When I first saw this thread, I thought it had nothing to do with me. Biking is never my thing. I had a bike accident 20+ years ago, had bilateral jaw fracture, broken chin, cracked few teeth, spent 2+ months on a liquid diet because I could not eat / chew.
Last fall, I was riding a bike, cruising downhill on a tree lined trail. That sensation of sliding downhill reminds me of skiing, it was a good feeling. In a way, I see why some skiers like to bike off season.
After, I thought about starting to bike again, but had some reservations. In many ways, the bike accident from 20+ years ago was a life-altering and haunting experience, it damaged me more psychologically than physically. I became more fearful. In retrospect, it explained why it took me several seasons just to be comfortable skiing on green trails (vs. most people take 1 season to progress from green to blue). Because I was so afraid of falling and getting injured.
Fast forward, I mentioned my “issue” to one of my ski friends (we take ski lessons together). She is an avid biker but very cautious and big on safety. She encouraged me to check out a local bicyclist association (Washington Area Bicyclist Association, a non-profit org). She took bike safety classes from them and found their classes to be very helpful since she commutes to work by bike.
After talking to her, I bought a properly fitted bike and; signed up a bike safety class last fall.
The class started with practicing few safety drills at a big parking lot, then the instructors took us to bike on roads in DC, I was nervous at first because I’ve never ridden in DC before. But then it was too late to bail, so I had to stick w/ it. I survived that class. In fact, despite feeling nervous initially, I did enjoy riding on roads. If the traffic was light, it felt liberating and free.
This summer, I took few more WABA cycling classes and attended their group rides whenever I can. I found the group rides to be very enjoyable because they are no-drop rides. Meaning, they won’t leave you behind…. Perfect for someone like me, poor w/ directions and ride very slow. There is always a lead and a sweep for group rides. I feel very protected with this kind of arrangement and for some reason, I ride better when I am with a group.
I also paired with a bike mentor, met her 3 times for 1:1 to work on specific things I requested, bike route to library, how to make tight turns etc. With each session, I pick up few extra tips about road biking, I definitely feel less nervous and become more assertive. Best part of it all: costs nothing.
Up until this summer, 1) I never expected I’d have the guts to ride on roads; 2) I did not know there are so many beautiful bike trails around DC area and; 3) I did not realize many bike lanes in DC are so well designed.
It also makes me a safer and more considerate driver. Before, it annoys me when I see cyclists on roads because they slow down the traffic. Now I am more patient and considerate. Before, I tend to cut in and out of bike lanes when driving and pay minimum attention to cyclists. Now I am more cognizant, stay in my lane and give cyclists ample space if they share a road. Now whenever I park on streets, I always remember opening the car door w/ my right hand so it forces me to look behind before opening the door.
I appreciate DC area has this kind of non profit organization, with dedicated volunteers to do outreach, work with the local community, host various classes & rides to promote cycling and offer lessons on how to ride safely. It is a good physical activity, good for the environment too if we can drive less and bike more, whether for running errands or just for fitness.