NJ: Edison to Dunellen commute

[neilfein]

Starting at the end of February, I'll be commuting to Dunellen from Edison. That's the nearest trains tation on the Raritan Valley line - I'll end up in Union. I'm havign trouble comign up with a decent route.

The most dangerous bits are getting across 287 (mile 4.7), and the intersection of South Washignton Ave and Stelton Rd (mile 5.1). I could route through Piscataway on Old New Brunswick Road or South Randolphville, but those are pretty bad as well. (They at least avoid the Stelton;Washington intersection.)

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Home-to-Dunellen-Train-station

I'm hoping there's a route I've overlooked that won't make this too much longer than the 7.5 miles it is now. Anyone have any ideas? Is this a nasty ride no matter how I do it?

Thanks!

[Road_Rider_07]

Hey, I'm from that area, and unfortunately, thats about as good as it gets, unless you want to add 3 miles onto that route. You just have to bike like you own the road, and you'll be fine.

[neilfein]

Ach. I may end up doing this in the morning (I get to work at 7:30 am) and taking a longer way home, when there's more traffic.

Crossing 287 on Durham Road is a little bit safer, not all that much, but adds a mile and a half: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Home-to-Dunellen-Train-station-via-Durham-Rd

I might just go to the Plainfield train station instead. http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Home-to-Plainfield-Train-station

I wish I could leave from Dunellen in the AM, and get off in Plainfield at the end of the day... but no bikes on the train durign peak hours, alas. Unless I get a folding bike, which isn't in the cards.

[Road_Rider_07]

I think you'll be fine with traffic in the morning. I've never had any dicey moments going around that area... at least none that were not my fault :eek: Word to the wise, even if it says "right on red" people don't think bikes count for that and will play "How close can I get to this guy?"

Don't sweat it, those roads are pretty wide, and people generally give you enough room.

[neilfein]

By the way, welcome to BF!

[HenryL]

Did you consider dropping into Johnson Park and then riding the canal path to Bound Brook? About 9.5 miles from your start point but flat and traffic free. The only traffic would be on Cedar Lane, then its smooth riding all the way to South Bound Brook. The time saved not having to stop for lights etc may even out in the end. South Washington has no shoulder up to the pathmark which is a non starter for me when deciding on commuting routes.

If you are tied to this route, try Suttons land up to Metlars, they put in a bike lane recently and you have fewer left turns accross traffic.

[neilfein]

Did you consider dropping into Johnson Park and then riding the canal path to Bound Brook? About 9.5 miles from your start point but flat and traffic free.

The canal towpath is unfortunately in terrible shape up here. A ticket from Bound Brook is also a lot more $$/month. But commuting on a towpath would be awesome.

try Suttons land up to Metlars, they put in a bike lane recently and you have fewer left turns accross traffic.

Good idea, and it shaves off 0.3 miles.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Home-to-Dunellen-Train-station-via-Suttons-Metlars
(http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Home-to-Dunellen-Train-station-via-Suttons-Metlars)

[SgtPepper64]

Did you consider dropping into Johnson Park and then riding the canal path to Bound Brook? About 9.5 miles from your start point but flat and traffic free.
"This land is my land...."

I think I rode in Johnson Park once; nice park.

I wish I knew my way around better - maybe I'd be able to give actual advice. :o Good luck with your commute!

[bradchu]

This route works. I've done it many times before. It's the best you can get. I avoid Stelton like the plague. Washington gets kind of hairy when you cross 287, but there is no other way to cross 287 without feeling like you're going to die.

Enjoy the new bike lane on Metlars for about 2 minutes...It's nice while it lasts.

[HenryL]

OP starting location and desired destination really places him in no mans land for commuters. A safer option (in my opinion) would be to head to Plainfield via Talmadge (which crosses 287 but no on or off ramps) and left on Plainfield ave to the station. Flat, fewer turns and lower cost for train fare. A little longer than he would like but once clear of 287 this is a flat fast route with few lights except by the station. I prefer longer routes that provide safer riding conditions. The area around Washington & Centenial with the 287 ramps is just asking for trouble.

[neilfein]

OP starting location and desired destination really places him in no mans land for commuters. A safer option (in my opinion) would be to head to Plainfield via Talmadge (which crosses 287 but no on or off ramps) and left on Plainfield ave to the station. Flat, fewer turns and lower cost for train fare. A little longer than he would like but once clear of 287 this is a flat fast route with few lights except by the station. I prefer longer routes that provide safer riding conditions. The area around Washington & Centenial with the 287 ramps is just asking for trouble.

Good idea! I worked up a route to Plainfield, going under 287 on Durham Ave. I've biked there and it looks worse than it is.

I agree that the Talmadge route is safer still, and when I do the entire commute by bike I either cross 287 there or on New Durham.

(BTW, Talmadge is a weird street; from 27 to New Durham, it's death on asphalt, but north of that it's fine.)

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Home-to-Plainfield-Train-station

I may mix it up for a while, trying both stations until I order a monthly pass.

[HenryL]

Stay off Talmadge on the south side......Ethel road to New Brooklyn, left to New Durham, gives you time to take the left turn lane onto Talmadge.....a little choppy road surface until you cross 287 then you can fly to Plainfied. Even if you can't take the left turn lane, you can get to the light and cross safely at that tough intersection.

Home is easier, just cross New Durham to Talmadge and take the right on Ethel straight back to Suttons lane. Edison and Piscataway police have a huge effort to keep the car speeds at the limit so should be safe for cyclists on Ethel.

[neilfein]

Stay off Talmadge on the south side......Ethel road to New Brooklyn, left to New Durham, gives you time to take the left turn lane onto Talmadge.....a little choppy road surface until you cross 287 then you can fly to Plainfied. Even if you can't take the left turn lane, you can get to the light and cross safely at that tough intersection.

Home is easier, just cross New Durham to Talmadge and take the right on Ethel straight back to Suttons lane. Edison and Piscataway police have a huge effort to keep the car speeds at the limit so should be safe for cyclists on Ethel.

Ethel is fine, I ride on it every day. This is my regular commute at the moment, to my carpool:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/4-mile-commute-home-from-carpool

It's a little long - I can cut it down to 3.1 miles pretty easily - but there are more hills (ahem) and it's a more pleasant ride.

Although Central Ave (by the Edison train station) is an awesome street to ride on. Half a mile of flat, wide pavement. Then you get to Suttons and the potholes and speed bumps begin...