Guest said:
My office is really only about 10 to 12 miles from home. I have often thought of commuting on my bike. But, quite honestly the people here scare me enough just driving in my car. I seems that I am almost in a wreck close to twice daily. And, I already drive the "backroads" into the office.
Traffic here seems to start at 7:00AM and go until 9:30. And, traffic isn't just on the highways. As a matter of fact, it takes me 30 minutes to drive the 12 miles I have to get to work, just taking the side roads.
I do have a shower here at work. Which is nice.
I guess my concern is..this town isn't used to people riding bikes to work. As a matter of fact, I can't think of ANY instance where I have seen people riding to work. And, the evening traffic is even worse. It starts at 3:30/4 and goes until at least 7pm. It is QUITE ridiculous.
Do you suggest even giving it a try? I mean, given the circumstances and the idiots. These people freak out when it rains. The all of a sudden can't drive at the slightest sprinkle. And, what kind of schedule would have to keep in order to avoid all the idiots?
It just doesn't seem very safe to me...at least in my situation.
Anyone got an urban commute that they make work?
I've just begun making part of my commute on my bike and I say absolutely do it. I work in an urban area with lots of lunatic drivers, too. Just assume all of them mean to kill you and take the appropriate steps to keep safe. These include:
Don't make it a race
Obey all rules of the road (as if you were driving a car)
Act as if you own the road (you do)
Leave enough room between you and potential trouble (being cut off, mainly) and know what you will do when it happens
Flip off any driver who beeps his horn at you
Glare menacingly at all numbskulls who infringe on your rights, even a little (I did this yesterday to a police officer in an SUV who clearly saw me travelling in a bike lane but stuck his front bumper in my way regardless)
Overall, try to relax and have a good time, which you will in spite of the countless morons with whom you must share the road.
I've worked in Boston for almost twenty years, mainly taking public transit, and only began riding my bike a couple weeks ago. I am astonished at what I've been missing. Just this morning I explored parts of Charlestown including Old Ironsides (the oldest commissioned US Naval vessel otherwise known as the Constitution), the Bunker Hill Monument and rode down the street where my grandfather lived as a boy. This detour added maybe a half hour to my commute. Yesterday on my way home, I rode along the Charles River, on a beautiful bike path, and on down to the Boston waterfront on some streets in the North End I never even knew existed. Plus I feel great.
This is a free pass to a whole new world. Go enjoy it.