THREAD: I was living in @rbkc when I first learnt how to ride a bike, by taking a @TfL cycle confident course.

But despite having the skills to ride, the roads around my home were so dangerous that I could never build up the confidence to ride a bike ~properly~

I lived just across from Olympia, where the red marker is. Every day I would walk up High Street Kensington to get to Holland Park or Gail’s Bakery or even Hyde Park — and I’d wish I was brave enough to cycle the journey.

At first I thought it would be a problem that would be solved as soon as I learnt how to ride a bike. That straight away High Street Kensington would not look so treacherous but instead would look safe and welcoming.

Nope.

Even once I knew how to ride a bike, High Street Ken still terrified me. I could stay upright on a bike, but I was a bit wobbly — especially when nervous (which I was all the time).

Looking at that road, I knew it was the kind of place where any mistake could cost me my life.

All I needed was to build up my confidence. I figured if I could get some cycling practice under my belt, I’d be okay cycling on the road.

So I walked out to Hyde Park and rented a Santander Cycle to get practicing.

But that didn’t go so well either.