Biking help please... Hot mess here!!!

So- My husband and I decided to get new bikes for christmas and today was the first time on one since I was probably 10-11. I'm having trouble with balance, and trouble because it seems the pedals are high up and i have to rely on my balance to use the pedals.

I bought a firsmstrong cruiser bike with pedal brakes so getting used to using the pedals is a must I guess- lol

I was only able to ride in my driveway because I was too scared to go on the road. I did get a helmet to protect my noggin.

I'm sure I looked like a hot mess to passersby, but for some reason this is harder than I thought it would be.

Any tips for bike riders??

A couple of thoughts.  Go to a bike shop...See if everything is fitting right (handlebars, seat, chains).  Next I would look at (on a weekend) going to a local (level) junior high, high school, community college, college and ride there.  One of the best little secrets about The Americans With Disability Act (ADA) is you have all these ramps built in for wheel chairs.  Yes, people with wheelchairs do have higher priority for these schools.  But, when no one is on campus, it's a great (usually quit/safe) place to ride...

Great Idea! Thanks

We actually have a nice place called bike world or something here.

Not sure where you live but most major cities have green belts with hike and bike paths.  I avoid riding on the road in favor of these.  I was surprised at the quality of paths that San Antonio has.

Thanks- I've just been riding on my local roads here- We are rural so don't see much car traffic.

I might check out the paths for a weekend trial.