From Fear to Freedom: How Bike Commuting Helped Me Heal After a Devastating Car Accident

Shortly after relocating from Chicago to the West, my life changed in an instant. A distracted driver t-boned my car, deploying the airbags and totaling my vehicle. While I was fortunate to walk away without physical scars, the emotional trauma ran deep.

For months, I refused to drive. My husband encouraged me. A dear friend even left her car for me to use while she moved out of state. But that car just sat in our garage, untouched. Instead, I relied on Ubers and my husband to get anywhere I needed to go. Even today, years later, I still have moments where I tense up or become emotional during everyday driving situations.

Finding a New Path Forward
My husband suggested I explore biking as an alternative way to regain my independence and mobility. My job was a 20-minute drive away, and I didn’t want to arrive at work sweaty, so we decided an e-bike would be the perfect solution.

That’s when I met Megan Markle—yes, that’s what I named my beautiful green e-bike. She’s graceful, looks like she could be British, and I get compliments on her everywhere I go. Riding my e-bike is and was a delight. It’s such a unique experience and completely met my needs to be mobile, but not behind the wheel.

Building Confidence One Ride at a Time
Of course, I was nervous at first. Riding on streets and traveling that distance felt daunting. But my husband became my champion in every way. He carefully designed my routes, mapped out the safest paths, and even did several practice runs with me to and from work. On some days, he’d ride alongside me, providing both company and confidence.

I also discovered the flexibility of multimodal commuting. On days when weather was challenging—especially during winter—I’d combine biking with the commuter rail. This gave me options and removed the pressure of an all-or-nothing approach.

The Healing Power of Two Wheels
Bike commuting became more than just transportation—it became my path to healing. It helped me gain confidence on the road again and gave me a completely different perspective as a cyclist rather than a driver. I learned to read traffic differently, to be more aware, and to appreciate the experience of moving through my community at a human pace.

This gradual exposure therapy worked. I slowly integrated driving back into my life, but on my own terms—when I was emotionally ready, not because I was forced to. Being in a new town and having to navigate two highways was intimidating, but the confidence I’d built through bike commuting made it possible. The more I did it, the more it became a comfortable habit rather than a source of fear.

My Message to Others
If you’re struggling with driving anxiety or looking for an alternative to being car-dependent, I encourage you to consider bike commuting. It might not be the solution for everyone, but for me, it was transformative. It gave me back my independence, helped me heal emotionally, and allowed me to move through my new city on my own terms.

And who knows? You might just find yourself naming your bike and falling in love with the journey.

Dhyia P.