The only thing that bothers me about cycling is possibly having a head accident so the only changes I've made are always wear dog tags/medical bracelet and going downhill a bit more controlled (slower). Other than that, its the same as before.

1) I just wear lycra (or mtb) shorts, helps get a tan on my dvt leg, but if you do want to cover up your legs:
* Get full or 3/4 lycra (roadie) leggings. Will be a bit warm. can also get bib versions if the shorts don't sit properly when riding.
* Get cycling leg warmers which you can wear with shorts and take off.
* Get 3/4 length MTB "shorts"
You can wear any type of normal/sports trousers, but I find the crotch wears with any sort of distance and they have to be chucked. Personally, I'd not over think this and any accidents you might have might produce a bit of bleeding, but its easier to wash this out of shorts/socks than chuck longer trousers. Your call though.

2) I'd never heard of them, but the reviews look good and I might get some. Personally, I'd probably go with these and shorts for 1).

3) I would imagine a comfy saddle would distribute the pressure a bit and might make flow better. Either way, its probably in the noise and the most important thing is to get out there and you're more likely to do it on a comfy saddle than something hard/uncomfortable.

4) See the start. For me, the main risk is a head injury where you're knocked unconscious (helmet, dog tags, try and ride a bit safer in traffic and descents). Other than that, just get out and enjoy.

Cycling is relatively safe and the biggest accident I've had in the past year or was when cutting branches from a tree and because the branches were high, I had to stand under it. The obvious thing happened ... Hair is a great thing to (quick)clot your head :-)

Thanks Rosie! I've already got an alert bracelet that never comes off, so I'm good there. Also have a helmet and I'm usually slowish coming down hills, since I'm not that good a rider.

I'll have to look more into shorts/leggings that you suggest. Some good options, for sure.

Thanks!

While I'm not really what you'd call a biking junkie, I do ride quite a bit, mostly on city streets (scarier than any trail, in my humble opinion) and on trails along lake Michigan. Honestly, the only precautions I take are to wear a helmet, carry some band aids and always have my phone. If I'm biking by myself which I normally do I make sure I tell someone where I'm going and when I should be back in case something happens to me.

I wear what I'm comfortable in, usually almost like a yoga cropped pant or yoga bermuda style shorts. Then I usually wear a tank top, long sleeve t shirt or light jacket, depending on the weather.

I think you can get those clot sponges at bigger pharmacies. I think REI or places like that carry them too.

I have a bigger, cushy seat as well, and I can't see circulation being an issue. I mean, you are keeping your circulation going anyway by constantly pumping your legs when you peddle so I don't think that would be an issue.

The most serious spill I took was before I was on warfarin and it was a freak thing where I over corrected to miss a couple of people that came out of no where. I was riding in a really busy area of the city. No serious external bleeding, but big hematoma on my hip. I still have a dent in my upper thigh where I landed on the handlebar. If I'd been on warfarin, it would have probably required medical attention. But otherwise, I've not had any significant injuries since. Honestly, when I'm on my bike, I'm more worried about getting sunburned than falling and bleeding. And yeah, I've hurt myself more wiping out on the ice walking outside than on my bike.

Have fun, be mindful but not afraid. After a while your instincts kick in and it will all feel very comfortable and natural.

1. Depends on how long you plan on riding at a time. If very long, a padded cycling short really helps. You can get capri length. That would cover your knees. Usually knees and thighs get the road rash if you go down. [My experience anyway.] For hot weather, these are another great option. http://www.sugoi.com/usa/leg-cooler.html

2. I keep quickclot sponges in my saddlebag. I get them at REI.

3. Seats are very personal. For me, the big, heavily padded seats are uncomfortable. My seat has a cut-out in the middle that really helps. Many bike shops have programs where you can try out different saddles and you can return them if they aren't comfortable. Changing position as you ride can also help.

4. If you are a casual rider and you stick to groomed trails, you are probably at very low risk of any serious injury. Stay alert while riding. If you listen to music while riding, just use one earbud.

Picked up some Quick Clot sponges (not the name they had on them, but same concept) this afternoon at REI in the first aid section. A little pricey ($11 for a 3x3 and $15 for 5x5) but I figured it was worth it. Looks like they expire in 2017, so I'll have to buy more at that point.

I've got to look into the biking clothing further. I burn like crazy, which is why I stick with the long-sleeve shirts. (I pushed my sleeve up for 45 minutes last year on the return trip on a ride and wound up with a really bad burn on one wrist.) Probably wouldn't mind longer pants either, for the same reason, as well as the road rash issues.

I like my cushy seat, so not looking to adjust. We'll just have to see on that once I get out a little more.