Sidewalk vs. fast 4-lane road without shoulder?

[duke_of_hazard]

I am new to commuting and mostly bike on residential streets and bike trails. There is a busy 45 mph road with 2 lanes in each direction and NO shoulder. I dont feel experienced enough to ride on it , so I take the sidewalk which is uninterrupted with rarely any pedestrians on it.

But now the sidewalk is covered in snow! I have an eye-glass mounted mirror, but I find it hard to see what is going on behind me. Plus with no shoulder I am not sure what I would do if someone was going to hit me?

[atbman]

Not knowing the precise nature of the road/traffic, it's difficult to offer specific advice.

However, being hit from behind is pretty rare. I believe the US stats (open to correction) show that only 4%-5% motor vehicle/bike collision are rear enders. However, they tend to be more severe in their effect.

So, assuming that there isn't an alternative route:

1. are there any other cyclists who use the road? If so, try and get in touch with them

2. are there any cycling clubs in the area - if so, their members might be willing to offer help. I've heard that some clubs/groups in the US offer a "bike buddy" system to newbies/relative newbies

3. the dangers of such roads may be magnified beyond the reality but it's your safety which is paramount, so failing 1 and 2 above, either steel yourself to try it (perhaps at different times) or find an alternative and, presumably, longer route

Are there any Peoria forumers?

[joejack951]

One thing NOT to do: attempt ride a road like you've described along the edge or in the gutter. If you are going to use that road, make it clear to motorists that you want an entire lane to yourself and that they'll need to change lanes to pass.

[duke_of_hazard]

Thanks, should I ride in the middle of the rightmost lane? Should I get another blinky, perhaps a yellow colored one? Unfortunately there is no alternate route, it is either this road or the sidewalk ( which will probably be covered in snow till February! ).. I'll check into our local bike club. What should I ask them?

[duke_of_hazard]

Here is the road in question, Allen road:

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=40.764543,-89.630569&spn=0.001621,0.00464&t=k&z=18&om=0

[bigdufstuff]

It wouldn't hurt to also get a reflective vest if you don't have one.

If you ride with a back pack, put the vest over the back pack.

[AlmostTrick]

One thing NOT to do: attempt ride a road like you've described along the edge or in the gutter. If you are going to use that road, make it clear to motorists that you want an entire lane to yourself and that they'll need to change lanes to pass.

Absolutely. As long as the drivers can see you in time to react, they will not hit you. IF YOU LEAVE ENOUGH ROOM FOR THEM TO TRY TO SQUEEZE BY, THEY WILL, and you can be pushed off the road or hit with a mirror. It is up to you to see that this doesn't happen.

See this thread for some other tips. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=334243

I ride similar conditions (North Avenue in West Chicago) and have had few problems.

[-=£em in Pa=-]

When someone new comes in to this forum the religious zealots pounce on
them lie Moonies in a bus station. Believe them if you want, but at your own risk.
The Zealots will have you think body parts will die a fiery flaming death and
you will singularly bring on armageddon by riding the sidewalk. A sane, normally
intellected person with even a modicum of common sense and who actually rides
while the VCealots are dispensing wisdom from their computers will say ride
the sidewalk. Really, in this situation the sidewalk is fine.

[joejack951]

Thanks, should I ride in the middle of the rightmost lane? Should I get another blinky, perhaps a yellow colored one? Unfortunately there is no alternate route, it is either this road or the sidewalk ( which will probably be covered in snow till February! ).. I'll check into our local bike club. What should I ask them?

Will you be riding this road at night/dawn/dusk? If so, an extra blinkie couldn't hurt and neither could some reflective gear. If you currently only use one blinkie, I'd be making the suggestion to add another regardless of what roads you'd be riding on though (you never know when your batteries might die or a blinkie falls off). I'd stick with red as yellow could be confusing and possibly illegal.

You'll be the best judge for where exactly you should ride but a good start is in the middle of the lane. Monitor traffic in your mirror and figure out how quickly motorist seem to notice you and take action to begin changing lanes. If they seem to be taking longer than you'd like, move further left in the lane (towards the left tire track) and see how they react. More than likely, that should be good enough to get even the most stubborn motorist out of the lane. An outstretched left arm with your palm open towards traffic is pretty well understood by motorists in my experience to mean that you are going slow and for them to either slow down or change lanes. Worst case, if you find motorists are changing lanes a little too late for your comfort level, try standing up as they approach to get their attention or, as HH has suggested before (though I've never tried it) swerve back and forth a few inches left and right to wake them up.

If you have some lower speed or lower traffic level roads with a similar layout, it would serve you well to experiment with lane position on them first where you'll feel more comfortable. If you are used to monitoring traffic in your rear view mirror, you are ahead of the game. Use the mirror to your advantage to attend to each passing motorist in your lane as necessary. You'll probably find that most will change lanes long before you feel the need to react to them.

[joejack951]

When someone new comes in to this forum the religious zealots pounce on
them lie Moonies in a bus station. Believe them if you want, but at your own risk.
The Zealots will have you think body parts will die a fiery flaming death and
you will singularly bring on armageddon by riding the sidewalk. A sane, normally
intellected person with even a modicum of common sense and who actually rides
while the VCealots are dispensing wisdom from their computers will say ride
the sidewalk. Really, in this situation the sidewalk is fine.

Did you read the OP's post past the first paragraph?

[AlmostTrick]

Use the mirror to your advantage to attend to each passing motorist in your lane as necessary. You'll probably find that most will change lanes long before you feel the need to react to them.

Yep. Once you see car after car safely merging left (or slowing behind you) you'll never want to walk your bike in the sidewalk snow again.

When someone new comes in to this forum the religious zealots pounce on
them lie Moonies in a bus station.

If not getting hit by a car while riding my bike in the street is a religion, sign me up now.

[-=£em in Pa=-]

"Did you read the OP's post past the first paragraph?"


Did you read his third sentance ?

He should still ride the walk.
First off, no one should be telling someone this new to commuting to
commandeer a whole lane. That is insanity and if he reads this
forum he will see only a few people who coincidentally thrive on
antagonism too, recommend taking a whole lane on a 45 mph road.
Most people believe that is not only irresponsible and selfish, but not too
wise. Riding the sidewalk is still the better option. If you are a new commuter
it is a great way to hone your winter skills too. Obviously falling on a vacant
sidewalk is preferable to falling on a 45mph roadway.
The most glaring fault of the extreme VCealots is their inablitity to realize that
different situations call for different techniques.

[gpsblake]

Absolutely. As long as the drivers can see you in time to react, they will not hit you. IF YOU LEAVE ENOUGH ROOM FOR THEM TO TRY TO SQUEEZE BY, THEY WILL, and you can be pushed off the road or hit with a mirror. It is up to you to see that this doesn't happen.

+1 - great advice

[AlmostTrick]

Every cycling site I checked when I wanted to start riding to work recommended taking the entire lane in situations like the one described in the OP. Do your own search on "cycling in traffic" and you will see it's not just a few religious nuts on one forum who recommend it as the safest way to handle the situation. The advice to start out on lower speed/lower traffic streets is a wise one, and you will quickly gain confidence and proficiency.

Riding the sidewalk can also be a valid choice. One can ride safely in/on either, as long as they practice the best techniques for that location. Like Lem pointed out, different situations call for different techniques.

See, no religious intolerance.

[Helmet Head]

Tough call. If the sidewalk is really not an option due to the snow, then all you can do is ride on a road for which you feel not sufficiently experienced. Can you drive or take the bus for a few days, then take some time to ride there during a weekend morning with (presumably) lighter traffic and when you're not rushed?

[CommuterRun]

There's some good advice here:
http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/

Just looking at the Google Map photo, that road really doesn't look that bad to me. Just make yourself highly visible, stay predictable, signal your intentions and use a mirror. I think once you start riding it, you'll wonder why you used the sidewalk to begin with. If you do decide to use the road, absolutely don't let yourself get squeezed out too far to the right.

I highly doubt a snow and ice covered sidewalk is going to be safer than riding the road, taking the lane when warranted.

[-=£em in Pa=-]

.

Riding the sidewalk can also be a valid choice. One can ride safely in/on either, as long as they practice the best techniques for that location. Like Lem pointed out, different situations call for different techniques.

See, no religious intolerance.


thank you.
:beer:

I guess my reigious sidewalk stance was due to the OP expressing his
newness to traffic / commuting and actually being cared of the road anyway.
I hate to see people try bicycle commuting and then get spooked or tell a
spouse what road they ride on and get pressure from them to stop.
Congrats to anyone who goes out in snow , in any event !! :)

[maddyfish]

Ride on the road, take up space, and don't worry about it. If somebody beeps their horn, then wave.

[joejack951]

"Did you read the OP's post past the first paragraph?"


Did you read his third sentance ?

He should still ride the walk.
First off, no one should be telling someone this new to commuting to
commandeer a whole lane. That is insanity and if he reads this
forum he will see only a few people who coincidentally thrive on
antagonism too, recommend taking a whole lane on a 45 mph road.
Most people believe that is not only irresponsible and selfish, but not too
wise. Riding the sidewalk is still the better option. If you are a new commuter
it is a great way to hone your winter skills too. Obviously falling on a vacant
sidewalk is preferable to falling on a 45mph roadway.
The most glaring fault of the extreme VCealots is their inablitity to realize that
different situations call for different techniques.

If the sidewalk has more than a few inches of snow, or if it's crusted over, it will be next to impossible to ride on. If the section of road was a 1/4mile long than maybe walking it might be an option but it looks much longer than that. If you noticed, I did recommend starting out on some similar lower speed roads to gain confidence and experiment with lane position. I don't want see a new commuter get spooked either and a narrow lane, 45 mph road is the kind that could do it.

[rando]

can you find a parallel route? it looks like there might be one for at least part of the distance. If not, I'd say ride the sidewalk if it looks passable. if not, just wait until it melts.

[invisiblehand]

Thanks, should I ride in the middle of the rightmost lane? Should I get another blinky, perhaps a yellow colored one? Unfortunately there is no alternate route, it is either this road or the sidewalk ( which will probably be covered in snow till February! ).. I'll check into our local bike club. What should I ask them?

I think you have the right idea Duke. Increase your visibility. Talk to a few buddies and get a few tips. They might have a good alternative route for you. Just like you are doing here.

My advice is to try to ride this area early on a weekend just to get its "feel" right. You would get an idea of where any road imperfections lie as well as a good idea of how fast you can ride that stretch. Moreover, I would take the lane--i.e., ride in the right tire track to center of the lane--if the lane is less than 14 feet wide.

Good luck.

-G

[invisiblehand]

The most glaring fault of the extreme VCealots is their inablitity to realize that different situations call for different techniques.

Personally, I don't think taking the lane is an extreme position. However, if one is uncomfortable using a technique that a lot of experienced cyclists use and one advocated by LAB, he or she should incrementally build up their confidence. But I think that should be the goal; i.e. building up one's confidence to accomplish a very achievable task.

EDIT: Whoops ... looks like the discussion already went in this direction.

[rando]

Personally, I don't think taking the lane is an extreme position. However, if one is uncomfortable using a technique that a lot of experienced cyclists use and one advocated by LAB, he or she should incrementally build up their confidence. But I think that should be the goal; i.e. building up one's confidence to accomplish a very achievable task.

well, yes, but with the caveat that it is OK NOT to ride certain roads or in certain conditions if you don't want to, for whatever reason. I believe everyone should do what's best for their own comfort/safety. Your "goal" is not for everyone.

[yes]

There are a number of other road options available. It looks like you could avoid 90% of that stretch of road by riding another 1/2 mile or so..

[rando]

There are a number of other road options available. It looks like you could avoid 90% of that stretch of road by riding another 1/2 mile or so..

That's what I thought, too.

[invisiblehand]

well, yes, but with the caveat that it is OK NOT to ride certain roads or in certain conditions if you don't want to, for whatever reason. I believe everyone should do what's best for their own comfort/safety. Your "goal" is not for everyone.

You misunderstand ... the goal is to get to work -- I recall he/she is commuting -- safely. My understanding is that he/she feels that riding on the sidewalk covered with snow and ice is not safe. Hence the need for an alternative.

Riding on the road is an alternative -- one that I happen to think is reasonable -- not the goal.

[rando]

sorry for the misunderstanding!

[Carusoswi]

I don't want see a new commuter get spooked either and a narrow lane, 45 mph road is the kind that could do it.

I'm glad someone has at least used some language relating to the width of the road - but, in reviewing the OP, I see no mention of the work "narrow."

I cannot tell from the Google view, but, it's very possible that this road isn't so narrow after all.
Walk your bike on a snow-covered side walk if you must, take up an entire lane if you have the nerve (and lack consideration for other traffic around you).

My suggestion, assuming the lanes are wide enough, is to make certain that you are visible, then take a more moderate lane position on the road that can allow traffic to slow and get by you. You'll feel more comfortable, they'll be less irritated, and all will be well.

I don't see many four-lane, 45 mph roads with lanes so narrow that a car cannot safely pass a bicycle. In more cases than not, cars can and will watch for an opening in the lane to their left, and move there to pass you. When that's not possible, most will slow down enough to safely pass you in their lane.

To hold up an entire lane of 45 mph traffic for any distance on the road you describe and not expect to be on the receiving end of a lot of negative reaction is unrealistic, in my view.

Sure, you have a legal right to take the lane. It's just not a very good idea. Furthermore, as a new rider, my guess is that your pace will be on the slow side, even for bicycles.

I'd be curious to know how wide those lanes are, just for the record.

Caruso

[wheel]

Yea I would try other roads (more of a rec or utlity ride) that might be slower get use to riding in traffic.
Build up confidence and get used to how the mirror works.

+1 on reflective vest.
That builds my confidence I am visiting in MN two lane roads 55 blind hills what not.
My past rides allowed me to listen, signal drivers when to pass or not, and where to ride in the road.

[joejack951]

I'm glad someone has at least used some language relating to the width of the road - but, in reviewing the OP, I see no mention of the work "narrow."

I cannot tell from the Google view, but, it's very possible that this road isn't so narrow after all.
Walk your bike on a snow-covered side walk if you must, take up an entire lane if you have the nerve (and lack consideration for other traffic around you).

My suggestion, assuming the lanes are wide enough, is to make certain that you are visible, then take a more moderate lane position on the road that can allow traffic to slow and get by you. You'll feel more comfortable, they'll be less irritated, and all will be well.

I don't see many four-lane, 45 mph roads with lanes so narrow that a car cannot safely pass a bicycle. In more cases than not, cars can and will watch for an opening in the lane to their left, and move there to pass you. When that's not possible, most will slow down enough to safely pass you in their lane.

To hold up an entire lane of 45 mph traffic for any distance on the road you describe and not expect to be on the receiving end of a lot of negative reaction is unrealistic, in my view.

Sure, you have a legal right to take the lane. It's just not a very good idea. Furthermore, as a new rider, my guess is that your pace will be on the slow side, even for bicycles.

I'd be curious to know how wide those lanes are, just for the record.

Caruso

Perhaps it's a naive assumption of mine but when someone asks for advice about riding on a road with multiple lanes and describes the road as having no shoulder, I generally immediately conclude that the road has narrow lanes. My logic is based on the fact that few cyclists, even novices, are intimidated by a road with lanes wide enough to share or one that has a usable shoulder (however ill-founded that comfort may be. For instance, a busy road with a shoulder but many intersections is not necessarily an easy road to ride). Anyway, he posted a Google Maps link to the road which seems to show standard width lanes, probably somewhere between 11 and 12 feet. On a 45mph road, I don't consider that shareable and would never suggest to a novice that they should try and share a lane that narrow.

As to holding up traffic on a 45mph road, according to the law in many states, there's no such thing as impeding traffic on a multilaned road (those laws only apply when there is no same direction passing lane). And for good reason. Faster traffic always has a lane to use to pass. While it may get overcrowded at times causing a delay for motorists who have to change lanes, usually those delays are the fault of motorists who don't plan ahead. I've travelled on very busy multilane high speed roads and when motorists want to, they can change lanes well in advance and hardly skip a beat while passing even a very slow cyclist.

To suggest that it's not a good idea to do something that's done by cyclists and other slow moving vehicle operators (buses, mailmen, etc.) every day is fear mongering in my book.

[CommuterRun]

I'm glad someone has at least used some language relating to the width of the road - but, in reviewing the OP, I see no mention of the work "narrow."

I cannot tell from the Google view, but, it's very possible that this road isn't so narrow after all.
Walk your bike on a snow-covered side walk if you must, take up an entire lane if you have the nerve (and lack consideration for other traffic around you).

As long as the cyclist is making themself prominent and predictable, there is nothing inconsiderate about taking the lane on a multilane road where faster traffic has another same direction lane. Actually, choosing a two lane road over the road pictured in the Google Map link could be considered less considerate because faster traffic would have to use the on coming lane to pass. Which of course would mean they wouldn't be able to pass in the presence of on coming traffic.

[invisiblehand]

sorry for the misunderstanding!

no big deal bud. ;)

[Bekologist]

the only consideration the OP should have is for their safety and comfort level.

soem good advice here, i think practicing winter bicycling on the off hours, slower roads, etc are all good ones as well as increasing conspicuity with high vis equipment and learning how to take a more dominant line in the lane.

HOWEVER, being winter in Peoria, and being new to bicycling, i suggest going status quo, baby steps until spring. The shortest, coldest, nastiest months of the year are no time to be learning how to take the lane on highway speed roads safely.

Good LED lights -run them even during the day- high vis vest, go out riding on high speed roads on the weekends - like helmet head!- or with a winter cycling group if you can find one in Peoria (you'd be suprised!) and maybe some studded tires if the roads are icy?

Stay safe and stay warm!

Bek

[Bikepacker67]

Just remember, if you ride the sidewalk, you better have your head on a swivel, and your hands on the brakes at EVERY cross street, driveway, or parking lot.

[CB HI]

There are a number of other road options available. It looks like you could avoid 90% of that stretch of road by riding another 1/2 mile or so..From the looks of the aerial photos, at some point he will have to ride on roads similar to the one currently being discussed. So no benefit to an alternate route.

[noisebeam]

the only consideration the OP should have is for their safety and comfort level.

soem good advice here, i think practicing winter bicycling on the off hours, slower roads, etc are all good ones as well as increasing conspicuity with high vis equipment and learning how to take a more dominant line in the lane.

HOWEVER, being winter in Peoria, and being new to bicycling, i suggest going status quo, baby steps until spring. The shortest, coldest, nastiest months of the year are no time to be learning how to take the lane on highway speed roads safely.

Good LED lights -run them even during the day- high vis vest, go out riding on high speed roads on the weekends

Excellent advice!

Al