Northeast - Riding through North Philly

Hi everyone:

I work in North East Philly (near Tacoma Park) and live in South Philly. I would like to ride the ~9 mile one way commute and I have done it with my husband, but am nervous about doing it on my own - mainly because I don't like getting hassled.

The route I rode to see if it was feasible was primarily under the frankford line (on the bike lane). Looking at a map, it seems that the shortest way may be along the Bus 47's route (up 7th st and then 5th st). However there are quite a few sketchy neighborhoods (which I've seen while I rode the bus). Additionally, I am a slow rider and extremely cautious (hence the slow riding).My average is 8mph. I live on 7th Street and don't mind riding east or west 5 to 6 blocks to get to my destination. Is there a route that would be feasible?

I do ride to Temple University fairly regularly along 11th st on my own, so that commute is fairly hassle free. I am hoping for a similar ride to work.

Thanks.

Please let me know if you need clarification.

Ride a bit faster and keep your u lock handy. I ride around the city a bit and when going through some of the more "scenic" areas of the city I keep myself sped up and try not to slow down unless it's an emergency. I can sympathise with your plight, being a 15 year old white kid I do catch some harrasment from people from time to time. Just brush it off and know they'll never catch you.

Thanks for the tip Oh No. I guess speed is my only option.

Thanks!

I ride up 5th St all the way through North Philly most mornings. Its usually not too bad in the AM. There is even a bike lane for some of the way. The way home is a different story though. There is alot more traffic and people out. When I do it, I ride down 2nd/Mascher through Olney, then down Front St (there is a bike lane), then in Kensington I cut over to American St. It can get stressful sometimes though, so I've been taking my bike on the train to get home recently.

haha my band played a show out at susquehannah and american once, that is a scary section of town for sure.

The boiler room? Ha, that place was in a wild neighborhood. But American St is a nice ride, despite the train tracks.


haha my band played a show out at susquehannah and american once, that is a scary section of town for sure.

Under the El from Spring Garden to Tacony isn't too bad. It can get a little rough around Girard st. I used to comute the other way, from NE Philly into center city.

Take it from another former city kid. If someone calls to you to try to get your attention, ignore them. Lines like "hey, that looks like my cousin's bike", and any overtures from a bike that's transporting two people are guaranteed trouble. Stay quiet, nod and smile, look confident, and keep rolling.

My daughter used to attend Temple. I understand your trepidation. :o