I can (probably) ride a bike, but I don't. Back story time!
My dad was a bubble wrap sorta dad, and refused to take the training wheels off my bike until I was 8. Then, instead of taking them off, he just lifted them a bit off the ground so the bike became a wobbly wheeled nightmare. I learned to ride an actual two wheel bike at a friend's house, then promptly had an accident because I didn't understand braking and was banned from bikes until age 13 when I got a crappy 3 speed. I rode it a bit, then went back to my skateboard because I was more proficient at it. I tried biking again about 12 years ago as an adult, but it was terrifying because I wasn't in a bike friendly city at all.
Now I am in an extremely bike friendly city, and bike commuting to my university makes much more sense then driving. Plus it works better into my values to use a bike more than my car for other daily errands. Currently I'm walking as much as possible, but come fall when I'm loaded down with books, computer, etc it will be a pain in the arse. I want to get a bike, probably with electrical assist since my biking muscles aren't in the best of shape and there are some minor asthma concerns. Plus, I'm in a coastal town, uphill one direction and I live on a steep 6% grade hill.
Where do I start? I know I need to visit a bike shop, but I like to research things to death first. Especially things I have zero knowledge about so I know what questions I need to ask. Tips to get over the childhood fear of being on a bike? This is a big one. I'm not scared of many things, but this makes my heart race a little. Best techniques/types of places to practice and gain confidence? Best affordable bikes for beginners, particularly beginners that may not stick it out and can't afford to throw money away? E-assist tips -- can someone with only basic tool skills install one of these on their own? How to avoid helmet hair (joking, kind of)?
I am a vessel, fill me with knowledge, oh ye wonderful bike gurus!