One sunny morning in London last spring, I spent three hours biking in circles around a neighborhood basketball court.
I had recently bought a bike and, determined to conquer my fear of cycling in a busy city, signed up for the free lessons offered through the local government in my home borough of Hackney. On my arrival at the Finsbury Park basketball courts, instructor Mario quickly sized up my lack of confidence and basic skills. (Him: “How do you feel about taking one hand off the handlebars?” Me: “Very bad.”) Unfazed, he drilled me on hand signals, shoulder checks and abrupt stops around the perimeter of the court. By the end of the session, I was signaling with style and ready to venture onto the road.