Any bike riders out there?

It is important to get one that fits you. You should be able to move the seat up so your legs are straight when you peddle. Otherwise it is hard on the knees

I ride all the time (triathlon training).  My advice to you, keep at it!  Start in the driveway, move up to the sidewalk and then the road.  Try to find bike trails in your area (usually much more biker friendly).  It gets better just keeping trying!  Also, make sure your seat is up high enough.  Yes it may feel funny at first but your knee should only have a slight bend to it when at the down stroke.

Enjoy!

I'm pre-surgery but I do ride a bike.  I have a good Townie bike and it's a nice smooth ride.  I do still get nervous sometimes on the road and taking off from stopped, but I think it's mainly because of my size.  I'm hoping it will get much easier after surgery.  :)

My only tip would be to try it at a park on a paved trail - no cars.  You should be able to get a bit more used to it without having to worry about getting hit by a car :)

Bike rider here...About 7 years now.  Because of the ADA (look it up)  many (all) schools have become easy bike friendly.  Sooo...On the weekend, holidays, summer go to your local school, high school, community college, or university...Many safe routes there.  One last option.  Google Maps use to have bike routes in your local towns...I'm looking now and I think they dropped it because of liability...Too bad.  It was a good resource.

I bought what is called a step through bike. I felt safe. Took me awhile but now I ride rain or shine at least 5 miles aday . It's a habit now, good for stress and excercise . Just keep at it 

The step through bikes like the Townie are great for balance.  You can put your feet flat on the ground.  The direction of the pedals is slightly forward like a recumbent bike.  My husband got one after his knee replacement.  We have several types of bicycles.  They are all used for different things.  We have road bikes for club rides and long distances, we have the step-through Townie bikes, I have a touring bike and a mountain bike.  So.....if you are still uncomfortable after a couple of weeks, buy another bike to add to your stable.  When we want to just ride to the library or grocery store, we'll take the Townie.  

I had both knees replaced too, why the step thru

I was a runner, had to switch to bikes with the boyfriend a few years ago because running hurt my back.  He was an avid bike rider and the best things he did for me were:

a. Took me on super-wide trails and places where if I wobbled, I would not hurt myself or others.  I wobbled a LOT until I got used to balancing again... took me a few months.

b. Took my bike and me to a bike shop to get it professionally adjusted.

c. Got me a pair of padded bike shorts.  My floppy girly bits, which losing weight made even more floppy, thanked me.

Now I am an avid bicyclist, did my first 50+ mile ride last summer, aiming for 75 this summer.  I love it.

Also, always always always wear a helmet.  Even if you don't fall off, car**** us, other bike**** us, dog**** us...

Audrey