Bike lights are *required* after sunset, which currently is a *lot* later than 6pm. Cars generally seem to use them a lot earlier than they required to (30 mins after sunset) which can be inconvenient for cyclists as it makes them much harder to see. Bike lights don't actually improve visibility much until it's actually getting dark.
I'd suggest keeping the saddle a little low until you've got a bit less wobbly and feel more confident and then raising it a bit at a time. General advice seems to be that when the pedal is at the bottom your leg should still be very slightly bent when pedaling with the ball of your foot - this can often be achieved by setting it so that your leg is straight when your instep is on the pedal. This might leave you too high for comfortable stopping though, until you're confident enough to stop seated with one foot on tiptoe, or to get off the saddle when you stop.
Well done for walking where cycling is not permitted!
It sounds like something that will get easier with time, and hopefully enjoyable.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2010-04-20 12:05 pm (UTC)I'd suggest keeping the saddle a little low until you've got a bit less wobbly and feel more confident and then raising it a bit at a time. General advice seems to be that when the pedal is at the bottom your leg should still be very slightly bent when pedaling with the ball of your foot - this can often be achieved by setting it so that your leg is straight when your instep is on the pedal. This might leave you too high for comfortable stopping though, until you're confident enough to stop seated with one foot on tiptoe, or to get off the saddle when you stop.
Well done for walking where cycling is not permitted!
It sounds like something that will get easier with time, and hopefully enjoyable.