This is a kinda embrassing question to ask so pls don't judge.

I did have moments where I like... went to the local library alone, or like an all day school trip or something...

But I never really like... explored outside alone... especially far from home...

So like... I feel scared about the idea of like... just going for a walk all by myself...

I realize I've always just asked parents to drive me somewhere so I never got a chance to just get in the habit of being by myself.

I don't have a driver's license so I don't really have like a car to "retreat to", if you know what I mean, like as in sort of "castle".

How do I even "feel safe" just being outside on my own? For context I'm non-white so it's... kinda intimidating... especially in the current context of US political atmosphere.

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[–] 2 points 10 months ago

Bikes are anonymous, especially road. No one is watching or paying attention... Part of the problem too, but still. I've been through some shit on a bike, but honestly still recommend it 10/10. The odds of you encountering some political refugee with a third grade education and a four page long driving record are nearly zero. You will never learn an area like you will on a bike. I have been all over Orange county and have ridden a lot of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego, all from just starting from home. I know places on a different level than most people, like I know the bike trails, back roads, fire routes, parks, military bases, and all the way down to connections that are not intended like through golf courses, sidewalks and stuff. I know of a bunch of eclectic pastry shops too because I would make them destinations to push up my miles. Like, today I'm going to hit up a Persian place in Tustin, then a French shop in Huntington Beach before heading home for an 80 mile day. It takes awhile to build up that kind of strength, but only around a year. It is the ultimate freedom.

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