Commuting - Which roads?

I've been recently tweaking my commute to ride on "safer" roads, and I was wondering how to quantify "safer". I've made a decision for me, but I'm wondering if other riders think differently.

There are essentially two types of roads I can take: back roads or arterial roads.

Arterial roads are the major routes through the suburbs that I ride through. Speed limits range from 30 to 45mph. (Cars regularly drive 5-10mph over the posted limit.) There is a shoulder that varies from 6 inches to 2 feet wide, and there are few potholes. During rush hour, there is a continuous stream of traffic. Bikes are uncommon on these roads, but drivers aren't surprised to see them. In addition, there is usually at least one car behind you all the time, so other autos are less likely to cut you off. Still, you have to be constantly paying attention to all the cars to make sure no one's doing anything stupid, so it's a bit stressful. Roads are fairly straight, and there is good visibility around corners and at intersections.

Back roads have speed limits from 20 to 35mph. (Cars regularly drive 5-15 mph over the limit.) There is usually no shoulder and ocassional potholes. One auto passes by every minute or two. Bikes are common on these roads, so drivers aren't surprised to see them, but visibility around corners and at intersections is poor, so drivers often can't see bikers. However, it's easy to hear cars coming and plan accordingly. It is much more scenic and relaxing, and the hills are more challenging.

The scariest close-call I've ever had was on a back road, where a driver pulled off a side street without looking (afterall, there's never any traffic on this road :mad: ). I've also been cut off on arterial roads, but the drivers usually see me and decide to cut me off anyway.

So which ones would you choose? I won't tell you what I decided; I'm interested to hear what others think. Perhaps I'll change my mind. :)

Tim

Originally posted by tnorman
So which ones would you choose?

Both!

You said it yourself, both types of roads have their pros and cons. Traffic on arterial roads is more predictable but an accident on those could cause more damage, IMO. They are more practical for getting from point A to point B but the constant noise and smell of cars, as well the lower quality of pavement is often just too annoying. I'd probably use the arterial to get to work and the back roads on my way back. If both types of roads are parralel, you can simply switch from to another and use the better part of each.

Personnally, I don't have the choice. It's back roads only.

I need to cover a lot of ground fast so I go for arterials. Flowing with the traffic at almost equivalent speeds I think is safest, and these roads have controlled accesses.

Back roads, to me, are much more dangerous b/c they're uncontrolled. They run through neighborhoods where anything can happen. Consequently you're forced into a much slower pace.

I feel quite at home on an arterial if there is adequate lane width, high visibility, low traffic volume and fewer shop entrances. Yet there are times I just want to cut through the neighborhoods, taking the whole lane if I need to avoid parked cars, because it's more peaceful and scenic. There are plenty of times I just don't want to be bothered with fast traffic and it's fumes and enjoy a slower pace in shady areas.

You've outlined the pros and cons of both types of roads and both routes. What needs to be considered here is the varying construction standards within each type of road. For example, not all arterials have shoulders, and not all minor roads do not. Personally I would ride a variety of routes until you find one that is satsifactory to your own needs.

During my three years riding to and from university, I experimented with a variety of routes and still couldn't settle on the appropriate one (in the end I just rode wherever I felt like it). My current commute has a bit of each involved.