Commuting - Route Choices

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TxBiker
08-02-05, 10:51 AM
On my second day of commuting, I am second guessing my route. It is a nice route, but the majority of the roads (85% of route) are two-lane roads with NO shoulder or bike lane. It is less travelled than other routes, but the closeness of the cars bothers me. Will this lesson over time as I gain more experience, speed, and time in the saddle?

Another route option would put me on a road with more traffic (not downtown traffic mind you) and would be on a four-lane divided road.

I like the route I am on now, just a bit unnerved about the afternoon traffic.

BTW - I am loving my commute. I am thrilled to have one less car on the road, saving money, losing weight, and building endurance and strength! Why did I ever drive a car to begin with! Also...I am a proud papa of a 4 year old daughter who just took off on two wheels the other night! That makes a complete family of 4 that is mobile, agile, and hostile on two wheels :D

LCI_Brian
08-02-05, 11:42 AM
In general, I prefer four lane roads over two lane roads in a commuting situation. On shoulderless two lane roads with heavy traffic, riding at the edge can encourage close passing, especially if there's a vehicle coming in the other direction at the same time. Moving further out in the lane will often discourage close passing, but then you might have a line of motorists stacked up behind you, if there's traffic in the opposite direction that prevents them from moving over to pass. On shoulderless four lane roads, I can "take the lane" (see a HelmetHead post for more info) and traffic can pass in the other lane.