Hi there everyone. I am Jamie and live down in the Mt Lebo area. Recently my job was relocated to the bridgeville area, so I am thinking about riding it instead of driving. Problem is quite some time ago I used to ride on the road all the time. Then I got into a minor altercation with some sand and a guard rail. Since then I have ridden trails, maybe hit a few trees but I have been ok with that. Just trying to work up the courage again. Glad I found this site.
Welcome to the message boards!
There are a few people here who've been in accidents but still ride. I've been lucky so far, but I admire their ability to have "got back in the saddle." If you download the guide to bicycle commuting elsewhere on this site: I found that to have some helpful tips about riding in traffic. Or. come on some group rides to get warmed up to it again...
I second the welcome, we're awful glad you're here 
best advice I can think of would be to pick up a light or two and ride with the Friday Flocks - you'll be convinced the road is the only way to go (this from someone who hasn't gotten on trails much because of an unhealthy fear of trees...).
You can do it! The hard part may be riding left enough to be safe - the guide psuedacris mentioned is awesome. My personal rule of thumb is that if there's a clear shoulder, I'll use it, if there's two lanes I get the whole right one (I ride to the left of the lane to claim the whole darn thing), and everything inbetween is a judgement call based on sight lines, traffic speed, and my speed... but that mostly applies to suburban riding. In the city feels different to me.
Hi Jamie; It might help to focus on all the times you rode and didn't have a problem. I'm sure that since your accident you're a lot more aware of sand. About 4 years ago I had a near brush(no pun intended) with a some wet leaves in a turn. I didn't go down (luck not skill) but I definately pay attention to leaves and other seemingly innocuous things in the road now. +1 to the guide psuedacris referred to.
there was at one point a thread containing the rules for being a hard man, euro cyclist. my favorite was this:
"Rule 64:
Cornering confidence generally increases with time and experience. This pattern continues until it falls sharply and suddenly."
anyone who rides long enough has done it. you do eventually feel confident in the saddle again.
Gunning it down 18th st in winter will exponentially increase the speed with which you reach the cliff on that curve. On the plus side, getting the rest of the way down will help rebuild your confidence quickly.
Welcome!
You might want to map out your route, then ride it at a very low-traffic time. Sunday mornings tend to be a good option. That way you can focus on the route itself (unexpected curves, difficult sight lines, fun downhills, etc.) before you try it with cars nearby.
A test run is a good idea, that way you can make mistakes and wrong turns and not worry about being late and you can time it to see how long it will take.
+1 on the test run idea
When you don't actually have to be where you're commuting to, there's a lot less pressure and stress involved
Then when you actually do have to be there, you'll have the confidence that you can do it. Also good for finding out how long you should give yourself to get there and freshen up.
