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?

For stopping, it's not at all a matter of jumping off the saddle. It's just as SciFi describes, gently shifting your weight onto the pedals, i.e. slightly standing up, then gently stepping down with one foot as you come to a stop.

It sounds a lot more difficult than it is if you imagine 'jumping off the saddle' - that sounds quite athletic and daring, but it's really not at all.

OP, since you are well able to maintain your balance standing up out of the saddle, you already have all the skills you need to do this. Give it a go somewhere quiet where you can practise without worrying about people watching!

@Whoopstheregoesmyshoulder

I feel a little bit tearful at the "not a natural cyclist" comment. Because I know I'm not. But I'm holding the family and myself back by not getting out on my bike and being scared. My accident almost cemented my fear that I was crap at cycling. I will watch the videos, raise seat and try getting on and off as instructed. I'm so grateful to everyone for commenting. I rode a bike every day on a German exchange in the past as that was how my partner got to school and it was just expected. Also did a long cycle on a school camp as a teaching assistant - again, was assumed I'd do it and so I got on with it. I need to get exercising and practising I think. I don't want to give up forever.

@Whoopstheregoesmyshoulder

I think that very few people are natural cyclists - and I'm a member of a ladies Cycling Club! I also think that you are being really strong and brave to want to tackle your fears. I would also be fearful if I had an accident like you had.

However, I really think that with the right help and support you can conquer your fears, I used to shake with fear at times especially at junctions but I did overcome it and now it's an entirely different experience - so liberating.

I see you've had some recommendations but another really good source of support are the Breeze rides, www.letsride.co.uk/breeze the lady that runs our local group is amazing and it's all about supporting women and getting confidence and I'm sure that there will also be lots of tips and advice.

The other thing to try might be to go to your local independent bike shop - if there is one that isn't all about selling the latest aero carbon professional replica to a well heeled MAMIL (Middle Aged Man In Lycra) - as they will be able to talk to you about the types of bikes that might suit you better and be easier to ride.

Have a look at see if there are any cycling clubs near you that do ladies sessions, there might be a coach that would be happy to do a couple of sessions with you to help get your confidence back.

Finally, some yoga, Pilates or even seeing an Osteopath would also help with the stiffness.

Hope this helps!

I’ve got a neurological illness which affects balance and have recently bought a tricycle from Jorvik tricycle. It’s absolutely amazing and I’d recommend a basket as I can carry everything.

@SciFiScream
Same here, tip toes when stationary, seat hip height.
It can make your knees hurt if your leg is not stretched full length when peddling (or maybe thats just old farts like me)