Today, after the storm clouds cleared today on my quiet little street in Chicago, I had the urge to ride my bike to the music store and buy guitar picks. The store was less than a mile away, the perfect distance for a ride.
And yet...
I was having awful anxiety. My stomach was churning and my heart was pounding. I couldn't even ride down my street! The huge line of cars that lined my block only intimidated me more. I think that cars can smell fear, so if you're scared of getting hit by a car while out on your bike, the chances of you getting hit or doored is more likely. But that's just a theory.
Chicago is a very bike happy city. There are a few major roads by me (Damen and Lincoln) that even have shared bike lanes. But I still have this anxiety that I'm going to fall or get hit by a car or a bus or something awful. Maybe if I go riding with other bikers this anxiety will slowly start to go away.
Don't get me wrong, I love walking places and taking the bus or train. But sometimes, it would be nice to not have to pay $2+ to go somewhere when I could easily hop on my bike.
I don't know. I just hope it gets easier.
YOU CAN DO IT!! i feel like getting the bicycle outside the door is my biggest challenge. otherwise, if you've got your head on straight, your peripheral vision on, you're usually good to go!
ReplyDeletehonestly, i hope you do it, because it might make me more ambitious to ride mine too!! you should be my inspiration!! just do it! but i won't today... cloudy and cold cold... no thank you...
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