To ask you how I can get back on my bike?

[Whoopstheregoesmyshoulder]

It's almost 2 years since I came off my bike, dislocating and breaking my shoulder. I've never been confident on a bike. I've very short legs and a stiff hip, so find the swinging over of my leg to get on hard work, then feeling trapped when I'm on it, as I liked to be able to touch the floor when I only occasionally rode my bike as a kid. I bought the bike that I fell off and it took me a year to get on it. I rode twice, then decided to take my son out for a ride. It was all ok, but then the accident. And I've ignored it ever since. I think I want a new bike with a "step through" gap instead of needing to swing my leg over. But is this just nerves talking? I've v short legs and have just sat on it again and feel quite shaky now, which is no way to be. Thankfully both kids love their bikes and I've hidden the fear from them, though the youngest doesn't want me to ride as he was there for the fall, the ambulance etc....Advice please! Ditch the bike, get back on existing bike, buy new? Have lessons? Who from? Where?

What about stabilisers to give you some security as you get used to it all again?

Can you get a spin bike (secondhand are great) so you can exercise the right muscles without the fear of falling off?
I pull mine out into the garden when it's nice outside.

Brought myself a step through city style bike as was sick of mountain bike and rubbish mud guards going to work. I love my step through and use it everywhere.

You could look at a three wheel bike?

Step throughs are great! You can get on and off so easily, they're perfect for city riding or with kids when you're on and off a lot. And have the saddle low enough to touch the ground don't worry! It'll be easier to pedal the higher it is, but you've got to feel safe too. Go for it!

@Zancah

Can you get a spin bike (secondhand are great) so you can exercise the right muscles without the fear of falling off? I pull mine out into the garden when it's nice outside.

I think this is a good suggestion, if you can afford it. Spin bike or a turbo trainer -you can't fall of them so can get used to mounting, dismounting and riding without the risk.

Step though is more comfy that I find I'm using it more too than my mountain bike.

Have a look for local authority bikeability training courses near you bikeability.org.uk/bikeability-training/ The website says training can be offered in groups or individually - so you might be able to get some individual lessons.

I've got a step-through bike - I bought it to make it easier to get on and off when riding in a skirt (I cycle to the station). It's definitely easier than swinging your leg over.

Good luck, hope you get your bike confidence back.

I lost my nerve for cycling on public roads. I am rebuilding my cycling fitness with an exercise bike. I have not yet gained the nerve to go outside, but there are lots of car-free cycle routes round here, so...

Do you have a local proper bike shop? They could advise on bike choice and may have a step through bike you could try. They will also be able to help with setting your bike up so you feel comfortable and safe.
Do you have a local park you could get to, walk your bike there maybe, riding in a traffic free environment will help you get your confidence back.
Good luck.

I’m wondering if your saddle and handlebars are at the right height for you? I’m fine on my own bike but hate riding a bike if the saddle is even slightly too high. I also feel safer with the handlebars a bit higher than most people.

step through definitely.
you can even get bikes with extra low step through.

heavier bike doesn't necessarily mean harder to ride unless you want to go up really steep hills or break world records.

Dutch style 'sit up & beg' I think they're called, that style might suit you. I'd look on gumtree/ebay see if you can find a 2nd hand one.

It doesnt sound like you are a natural cyclist and you don't enjoy it. In your shoes I would leave it unless there is a reason that you've got to cycle. I think saying to your kids that you don't fancy it since the accident is fine, and won't put them off. Maybe look into an electric scooter instead if your kids want you to keep up with them?

I have an e-bike (a motor I can turn on and off) which means I can have the saddle low enough to feel confident without losing the power it takes to cycle up hills (as a pregnant lady who isn't super fit). It is step through and I love it.

Can you find somewhere safe to practice that isn’t on a road? I would only ever cycle on a step through bike, personally, and it’s definitely worth making sure that your bike, saddle and handlebars all fit you properly. But then practice is the best way to build confidence.

"then feeling trapped when I'm on it, as I liked to be able to touch the floor when I only occasionally rode my bike as a kid"

This statement doesn't seem right, unless I've got my bike set up wrong - isn't it normal to be able to touch the floor when stationary? When I'm stopped I can place my feet flat on the floor, then I pick them up onto the pedals to move. Am I doing it wrong?

There's a Bikeability video about getting on a bike.
I teach Bikeability.

Always stand on left of bike. Take bike by handle bars. Apply both brakes.
Lean bike towards you. The more you lean, the easier it is to mount. Swing your leg over the bike (beyond the seat) and you are on.
Move right pedal to 2pm position (get ready position) and put foot on it ready to move off.
Do your lifesaver look before moving.

Always stand on left of bike and mount from left so that traffic is on the other side of your bike.

@Winterjoy

"then feeling trapped when I'm on it, as I liked to be able to touch the floor when I only occasionally rode my bike as a kid"

This statement doesn't seem right, unless I've got my bike set up wrong - isn't it normal to be able to touch the floor when stationary? When I'm stopped I can place my feet flat on the floor, then I pick them up onto the pedals to move. Am I doing it wrong?

Generally speaking the seat should be at your hip height.

When you cycle your leg should be almost straight (but not quite)

To get a good seat height place one pedal to its lowest position and sit on bike (you'll need help). Place heel on pedal (not normally heel you use the ball of your foot on the pedal) and make sure leg is straight. Then test and adjust as necessary.

When my seat is at the right height I'm on my tippy toes to the ground. I generally come off my seat to stop.

I stand to start pedalling and sit down once on the go.

I’ve got a step through bike which is great around town. I’ve also used it on off road paths (eg forest rides- not proper mountain biking) and gone on 20-30miles rides. If you get the right bike fit (which a good bike shop can sort) then a bike can be used for lots of purposes regardless of the frame type,

Thanks for the info @SciFiScream. Are there reasons why that's the norm? Is it to do with performance?

I think I'll probably keep my seat 'too low' - taking the view that it's better to get out there and cycle with the wrong set-up, rather than never cycle because the right set-up is anxiety inducing!

Maybe moving the seat down a bit just while you build up your confidence again could be an option OP.

It's not good for your knees @Winterjoy if they are too bent while you cycle. It's also about power and cadence.

You need the power when you start off (especially when other traffic around) as you get more push from a seat at proper height.

Cycling is good exercise for your knees as no impact, but if knees too bent you might end up with sore knees. I can always tell if my seat has slipped as my knees start to ache.

Thanks @SciFiScream that's interesting to know. I don't get knee soreness but only cycle relatively rarely (once every couple of weeks). I follow a route that is all cycle paths so hadn't thought about the traffic element before.

Where do you want to ride the bike, OP?
My bike is fully part of my lifestyle but the bike isn't part of yours.