what to do for the best.

I used to love cycling but after losing a good friend (with young children), a work colleague and a doctor who all got killed cycling, I decided it was altogether too risky to cycle on our busy roads. Stay home!

You need a 3 wheeler!

I have this one - all terrain and goes like the clappers, lol ....

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electric-Mobility-Scooter-MC500-3-Wheeled-60V20AH-800W-LED-LIGHT-FREE-Insurance/223667494393?hash=item34139f1df9:g:xwcAAOSw481dgPXu

I have a fear of bikes and cycling after falling off a couple of times when I was younger. DH tried to persuade me to have another go and probably visualised us riding out together on sunny days complete with picnic basket and lashings of ginger beer. He got me back in the saddle just once and I was panic stricken and actually started to cry. What made it worse was that we were still in Halfords at the time!
I'm sure you DH will understand why you feel you no longer want to ride your bike and will happily go on long rides by himself, as my DH now does. I do understand that you may feel that as the bike was a birthday present it somehow feels ungrateful to now reject it - but for your own safety and sanity you must tell your DH you no longer feel able to use it. I'm sure he will understand. Good luck.

What is the problem exactly? Just say after trying it several times you've sadly decided it really isn't for you. Sell it, get the money, buy yourself some decent jewellery.
Job done.

I'd love an electric bike but can't understand why you would fall off it more than a normal pedal bike.

You could probably sell it for more than it’s original price at the moment. I loved cycling but the traffic is terrifying.

What suits him doesn't suit you. You've given it a very fair try. Time to stop. Sell it on - someone else will be able to enjoy it.

I have just sold my bike, very reluctantly. I used to ride absolutely everywhere and just loved being on my bike. A change in my circumstances prevented me from cycling for a couple of years. I was really upset to find out that when I bought a new bike a couple of years back I have lost my balance when cycling. Although I didn't fall off I was wobbling about all over the road and must have worried any passing motorist. So I gave up . Sad but I do enjoy walking now. [Corryanna] I would also say had I fallen off even once my OH would be very cautious about my cycling. After 2 or 3 times he would certainly not be encouraging me.

Hi, I can't help wondering if you have some medical condition you're not aware of. Parkinsons is often not diagnosed for 10 years, creeping up on you. Please go to your GP.

you should tell him immediately.

Don't you think you would be safer on a small peddle bicycle and alone so would not feel a moral pressure to keep up with another cyclist who you are holding back?

During lockdown we have bought electric bikes. I used to love cycling but at 71 I just knew I would never manage the hills of South Yorkshire and Derbyshire any more. They are heavy and do take some getting used to but I haven’t fallen off. Yet! DH seems to think I can just get on and cycle for miles but it will take some practice and he takes off on his own if he wants to go on a long ride. I’m nervous about traffic but we have cycle trails around on disused railways. Would love to end up with shapely legs again ?

Why do you keep falling off? Is the saddle too high/low, are the handlebars at the right angle, etc? Why don’t you go to a bicycle shop and ask their opinion?

Incidentally, I do hope you (and your husband) wear a cycle helmet

I am puzzled as to why you keep falling off...
Assuming it's fear, and not a balance problem, sounds like the advice of previous posters to get a trike would be the thing.
However, if you are getting dizzy spells, perhaps you need to sort that out before making a decision....
Good luck.

You have given it a good go. It hasn't suited you. I agree just sell it and do other forms of exercise. Above all don't feel bad about it

Absolutely! If he can’t see your bruises and distress, well...

I never learned to ride a bike. Tried as a child and fell off and never bothered after that. But I would love to have a three-wheeler which I have tried a few times in recent years. If yours is a trike, how did you manage to fall off it, they are very well balanced. Is it too big for you, perhaps you are overstretching? Perhaps you trade it in for a custom built model to suit your smaller measurements. I'm sure you husband will be sympathetic, he wouldn't want you to hurt yourself, cycling is supposed to be a enjoyable after all.

A few years ago DH bought a motorbike. He’d always had a motorbike rather than a car when he was with his ex wife. I was reluctant but bought the gear and rode pillion. After I came off for the third time, not too seriously hurt but a nasty experience I refused to go on it again and visited friends while he went out alone. Then I got the phone call, he was in A & E .
At that point I gave him an ultimatum, either the bike goes or I do! As the bike was a writeoff it was never replaced!
I have to say he wasn’t a crazy rider and didn’t ride competing with others and all the accidents were caused by losing control at slow speeds on gravel or cow manure on the road!
Stick to your instincts!

I couldn’t manage the weight of an electric bike either and gave up cycling after turning into a coming car instead of away while in france. Walk outdoors now and enjoy Lesley Sansome Walk on you tube if it’s raining

oh dear. Stop feeling guilty. OH bought me a replacement bike years ago - we used to cycle with the children when they were young, I did come off - luckily fell on grass and no injuries, but I am a nervous rider and hate it when vehicles come too close, so bike remains in the garage - OH checks it regularly. I keep offering to Dil - no luck though. If you keep coming off is it a hearing problem. If, like me, you are nervous. Smile nicely and protect the NHS. You could do more damage if you come off again.

Yes I agree with Lucca woman up and tell him its not for you. My husband has tried to convince me I would like cycling but I know its not for me so he has given up and goes with friends now. As seacliff said he will probably be relieved now he doesn't have to worry about you.

Get an indoor exercise bike if that appeals. Go for brisk walks. You are very lucky not to have broken anything, so far. There is also the risk of injury from traffic. It is just not for you. Bet your husband will be relieved.

ride, not rider...

It sounds like you're like me, Corryanna. I never learned to rider a bicycle. I might consider a tricycle though. A three wheeler would suit and you wouldn't have the balance issue.

Why not exchange or sell it for a lightweight bike?
You're only in your early 60s. With the right bike you could enjoy years of cycling.

I think you would have no problem selling the bike right now (assuming it’s not damaged!) as sales are apparently going through the roof. With that in mind, I reckon it’s fair to say to your Dh that you’ve given it your best shot and it hasn’t worked for you, so you’ll be selling the bike before you come a real cropper and end up with broken limbs or worse.

I hope your bruises improve soon - arnica tablets and cream help a bit.