Hello everyone ,
I'm a bit of a newbie on here but a keen cyclist, I hope your admin doesn't mind the link:
http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/
I would suggest this site as a good/friendly source of info if you are considering cycling.
As some one who cycles daily my own advice would be a stick to the roads , many more accidents happen on pavements and you leave yourself liable as pavements are for pedestrians not adult cyclists. Ride assertively on the road its yours just as much as anyone elses.
Mountain Bikes can be more comfortable for short distance but get a simple good quality one rather than a fancy cheap one. Road/Racer bikes are much more efficient than a MTB and most people will progress to one if they get hooked on cycling.
The best advice I can offer though is just to get a bike and start cycling , it is becoming so popular as people realise it is a viable alternative to sitting in a box burning fuel, it will improve your mental and physical wellbeing and a five mile commute will take you about 20 minutes which is a lot less thatn most manage in their cars!!
Good Luck and well done to everyone who gets a bike , you will not regret it.
O and Hello, looks like a really good forum ,
Ian