I would like to start riding a bike!

Hello,

I recently moved to Tinseltown area. I don't own a car and explore downtown on foot and I absolutely love it! Everything is just steps away.

I work at St. Paul's hospital and it takes me about 25 minutes to walk there. I would like to start riding a bike to work, to explore and get to places in downtown. I've been seeing bike routes popping out everywhere downtown and I am super excited to start using them.

I never rode bike on a road and am a bit apprehensive about the safety and cars respecting bikers.

I would love to "try on" a bike for a month since I've never owned a bike before and don't know where to start - what gear to get, do's and dont's, do I need to shower after I bike to work? where do I park and so on. I am willing to try this out and blog my experience as a complete newbie to the biking world.

I really like the european look bikes that let you not dress in biker's shorts but still look pretty and stylish while getting to a hot spot in downtown - english bay, outdoor patio, shopping on robson...

I am pleased to know that there is a free safety course offered on bike riding! Definitely a must for me!

Oh and the regular exercise would be a bonus to my trainer sessions as well!