My name is Ayna, and today I want to share my experience of learning to ride a bike. Despite being 27 years old, I hadn’t ridden one before, even though I’m in the Netherlands, a country known for its bicycles. The reason was a childhood trauma where I fell down many times, and I developed a fear of riding. However, I decided to overcome this fear and make it my goal to learn how to ride.

At first, I was really afraid, and it’s hard to put into words how I felt. The idea of getting on a bike terrified me. But I knew that facing my fear head-on was the only way to conquer it. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that learning to ride a bike is a skill that millions of people have mastered, and I could too.

I quickly realized that learning to ride a bike was not going to be easy. It didn’t come naturally to me, and I had to put in a lot of effort to make progress. I didn’t “get the hang of it” right away like people said I would. Not after the first lesson, not after the second, or even the third. Each lesson presented new challenges, and I had to push through my fears and doubts.

Living in the Netherlands, it’s impossible to escape the cycling culture. Bikes are the equivalent of a second set of legs for the Dutch. They’ve been riding them since before they could walk, and cycling here is more like a confident, practiced dance. As I watched the locals effortlessly navigate the streets on their bicycles, I realized that I wanted to be a part of this culture. I wanted to experience the freedom and independence that comes with cycling.

With each lesson, my skills improved. I started with the basics – learning to balance and pedal. It took time and practice to find my rhythm and build up my confidence. I fell a few times, but I learned that getting back up and trying again is a part of the process. Slowly but surely, I began to feel more comfortable on the bike and started to venture beyond the practice area.

One of the most exciting moments in my journey was when I felt confident enough to venture out into the city. Amsterdam, with its well-established cycling infrastructure, was the perfect place for me to explore. I started with short rides to nearby parks and cafes, gradually expanding my horizons. The feeling of freedom and the wind in my hair were exhilarating. I was no longer limited by public transportation schedules or traffic congestion. I could go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted.

Of course, learning to ride a bike in a busy city like Amsterdam came with its fair share of challenges. Navigating through crowded bike lanes, avoiding tram tracks, and dealing with unpredictable pedestrians required focus and quick reflexes. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, but I never let it discourage me. I reminded myself of how far I had come and the sense of accomplishment I felt with each milestone.

Learning to ride a bike in the Netherlands has been a life-changing experience for me. I’ve conquered my fears, embraced a new form of transportation, and gained a sense of freedom and independence. It’s never too late to learn something new and overcome your fears. With determination, perseverance, and the right support, you can achieve anything. So, if you’re like me and have always been afraid of riding a bike, I encourage you to take that first step. You never know where it might lead you.

“My husband has been a great support throughout my learning journey. He already knew how to ride a bike and encouraged me every step of the way. After just one week of practice, we rode our bikes to Zaandam, and it was a fantastic experience. Having someone by your side who believes in you can make all the difference in overcoming your fears and achieving your goals.”