How to reduce partner's anxiety about me / us biking again after an accident?

I refused to get back on my ex husbands bike after a friend was killed on his (white van man, turned right across his path) he kept it for another two years and went out quite happily. The day it was being picked up after he sold it he asked me if I wanted to go out for the last time and I said yes, it all came back, the feeling is like nothing else and I have never looked back.

I just regret the time I missed. Buy the bike if you want and give your partner time, I bet you once the better weather is here and she see's all the bikes on the road, she will start to want to ride again.

I just need to find another fella with a bike!

While I agree with the points made in the other posts, I will add this: She just needs more time to process this. At one time she enjoyed the bike of her of volition, not coerced into riding with you or made to feel like she was forced, correct? OK then, put it to her like this: invite her to be a part of the decision process of choosing the new bike, that way it plants the seed of her thinking "will I be comfortable on this bike ? ".

After the bike comes home, invite her to come with on very short trips to the store or have a date night or two on the bike.Take your time and go slow; if she starts to feel like its her idea to get on the bike, then mission accomplished. The reality is that she has to come to the decision on her own.

Soon enough you won't be able to even start the bike without her....

To help to allay your partners fears and to reduce your own risk af an accident you could do well to consider a classic bike like a B S A or Triumph 650 from the late 50's and 60's era. Many riders of these old bikes cover quite long distances in a reasonable degree of comfort and have the respect of other road users.

If you had so many thousands of happy miles, I wouldnt worry about it. Either she's going to be in, or out. If shes out, then ride without her....and have fun on your own

Complete an IAM course or observed riding with the police, that demonstrates a commitment to safe riding and reduces your insurance premium.

Dont make her do anything she doesnt want to do. She may not want to go through it all again, even if you do. Men are dumb like that....we live for this stuff, women dont. Once they have had their share, they are DONE. Even though you want her to go, she may not be willing to take the risk again. If she does, its going to be on HER time, and when SHE is ready.

You shouldn't try to force her onto a bike if she is scared. Bikes ARE dangerous....how about you offer to do some more training?? Like pass-plus for cars, but for bikes? And promise to ride more defensively??

I ride on my husbands bike, but he is a really good rider (not that you aren't) but you need to regain her trust in that machine.

Well you are sooooooo lucky to have that chance. My partner came off his bike 4yrs ago had 5 operations another pending and a serious infection. He is now disabled and cannot walk/work. I have given up work to look after him so life is not good at the moment. The choice is yours! Just THANK god you are ok!

The first question is: What did YOU do that caused the crash?

The second question is: Are you willing to crash again?

The third question is: Are you willing to crash again with HER on the back?

The fourth question, and it's important, is: Are you willing to let her NOT ride with you any more?

I am very sorry you crashed, and glad you are okay.

I hope you won't let your joy, or her fear, of riding ruin your relationship.

ya know what? da bike comes first! If she dont like it just find another ol lady! Theres another fine chic wanting to get on a bike!