Cycling - Suggestions needed

A good bike shop will get you a frame that fits your height. That is key. Also you need good bike shorts that are padded because a bicycle seat can become very uncomfortable. That being said, I ride a recumbent trike, which is very easy on the bottom and it leans back so it's easy on the back as well. Mine has under seat steering so my arms are at a comfortable position down at my sides and I have a seat bag to carry extra tools, water, etc. I highly recommend it for the comfort and it's a very good workout. I ride a Sun and it has a shock absorber on the frame to help with the bumps in the road. I usually will go to a trail that is a "rails to trails". I feel very safe and out of the way of cars there and it's also very shady and cool (plus since it was a train track there are no grades steeper than 3%). My recumbent starts around $1600 new but I found one on craigslist for $675. My husband has had several back surgeries so he has ridden a recumbent for years and swears by them. He has a two wheel- long wheel base and found it on craigslist for $500. Remember to get the right fit and if you're going a traditional bike- get bike shorts and a comfortable seat (my regular road bike has a larger seat because I have a larger seat lol). One last thing- I would recommend getting cleats and pedals that you can clip into. These give you the capability to spin your legs and pull back on the pedals instead of always pushing. You can easily twist the cleats out of the pedal when you come to a stop. I like riding with these because my feet don't come off the pedals and I can pull back as well as push. And of course with a trike I don't have to worry about putting my foot down at a stop sign. Good luck and happy trails!