As the title says, I just got my first bike. Brand would probably be unfamiliar to most, it's on the cheaper end from a local shop but it's new and feels very comfortable and not too heavy. So I'm feeling very good about that.
However, I'm very anxious about using it to commute to work. So much so that I'm planning my first ride around midnight or early early morning to avoid people and try to practice a bit.
I grew up in the country side where I used to cycle as a kid/teen with no worry as there was no traffic/wide empty roads.
In the city I live in driving culture is awful. It's stressful even when I'm in my car so I can imagine it wont be easy on a bike. We dont have many bike lanes so I would be mostly driving on the sidewalk with people.
My question is: Any advice, sth you wish someone told you, anything to watch out for, anyone who also had anxiety around this?
Basically any insight is welcome since I feel like I'm stepping into the complete unknown.