Riding safely, even when following all the rules of the road, seems to just be an abstract hypothetical–at least, for me. It’s like what the local cyclists say about riding on Foothill Expressway and how awesome it is to have miles and miles of nothing but green lights. I have never hit two green lights in a row on Foothill Expressway, but every other cyclist on this planet or any other professes that they never end up at red lights on that road.

I don’t think I’m particularly accident-prone. But, I also don’t like coming off of my bike because my cleat wasn’t tight enough. If that driver behind me had run over me, most of my friends would just wonder what ever happened to me. And that scares the crap out of me.

Right now, I’m just sore and pissed off that I have to spend a bunch more money getting the light bike ready to ride again. Plus, I’m purple. And I really should update my statistics.

Cycling really is a pretty safe sport, and it’s so low-impact that it really is goof for you.

At least, it’s *supposed to be* low impact. You’re throwing the curve way off! Racers crash all the time, but hobbyists/enthusiasts aren’t supposed to crash anywhere near once per year.
I’d try to push you to stick with it, but: a) I have no influence with you at all, and b) it sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. Besides, if you really don’t feel that you can ride safely (for whatever reason), then you’re probably right to find something else to do.

Seth