Vehicular Cycling (VC) - riding on the interstates

If any of you are knowledgible about vehicular cycling or the legal system, I would greatly appreciate your comments. Those of you who are tempted to point out how crazy or stupid you think I am, I would greatly appreciate your restraint.

Twice I have ridden on interstate highways unintentionally and have come to realize what a hinderance it is to be excluded from them. On long trips, I would really like to be able to use them. I believe that it could reduce my travel time by more than 60%. (I am also very upset at the mere fact of being excluded but there is more to it than that.)

(1) How dangerous is it?
Do you do it? Do you use the shoulder or the road proper? If you use the shoulder, how do you deal with entrance and exit ramps, particularly at interchanges where it is not possible to exit and then re-enter? How, if at all, can it be done with reasonable safety?

(2) How illegal is it?
What should I do if I am confronted by a police officer? Can I be arrested? Would it be better not to carry ID? How should I handle a citation?

Thanks. I know this might be hopeless but I had to ask. It has been making me intensely upset ever since my most recent long trip about two months ago.

Check with Massbike or your local state Rules of the Road, here in WA it is expressly allowed except for short stretches in and around major urban centers, i think less than 90 miles is prohibited in WA state, total.

I suspect it would be a case of not in the major urban centers but don't know MA laws.

Roughly speaking, I recall that you can ride on the interstate if it represents the only reasonable way of getting from point A to B. For instance, in New Mexico, my wife and I rode along I-25.

We rode on the 15-foot shoulder.

Interstate cycling varies by state. Typically east of the Mississippi, it is prohibited. Further west more states allow it, particularly outside urban areas and also in cases with no reasonable alternative. I have legally cycled on interstates in OR, CA, UT, AZ, NV, MT, WY, CO, TX and illegally cycled in NM.

The traffic is high speed, noisy and there can be more wires from disintegrated truck tires (particularly in climates w/o snowplows to clear the road). On the flip side, the shoulder is very wide and grades are not steep. Occasionally you can find obnoxious rumble strips/cracks but most of the time the shoulders are smooth.

My guess is most police officers would just warn you to get off, but I still wouldn't plan on using roads that were not allowed (e.g. I cycled 50 miles of gravel on "old US 50" in Western Kansas rather than I-70). My opinion is that trying to game the system by not carrying ID is also a bit silly.

As far as safety and exits go, there is quite a variety amongst interstates in traffic volumes and density of the exits. Some places like Nevada will have exits only every 10-20 miles so it isn't a big deal. If necessary, you can wait at beginning of exit ramp and cross over onto roadway. In busier or more urban areas, there can be more exits and more traffic. There can also be more alternate routes. With that said, the wide shoulders, good visibility and lack of turning or oncoming traffic have always made me feel pretty safe on interstates.

Roughly speaking, I recall that you can ride on the interstate if it represents the only reasonable way of getting from point A to B. For instance, in New Mexico, my wife and I rode along I-25. We rode on the 15-foot shoulder.

In Massachusetts and, I am fairly certain, all other states in the North East, it is explicity forbidden to ride a bicycle on the interstate.

I am very curious how the New Mexico rule works. Who decides what is reasonable? Several things I might consider when plotting a route are horizontal distance, hills, road surface, and navigational simplicity. If the New Mexico rule were adopted here, I suspect that it would be interpreted in a very restrictive way, for example, by distinguishing routes only by their horizontal distance. For example, there is a New Mexico-type rule in Pennsylvania except that the traveller must petition the Department of Transportation in advance of their trip and the Department of Transportation decides whether there is a reasonable alternative.

Bicycles are not allowed on the interstate in Missouri. (WEST of the Mississippi). Apparently you need to check with each state.

Illegal in Maryland....I wouldn't want to ride on our interstates.....certain death.

Have ridden on2 interstates in AZ.
I-19 (Tucson to Nogales AZ) there is a short couple miles stretch whereby there are absolutely no alternatives. Have ridden further into Nogales as it was not posted "bicycles, scooters, mopeds Prohibited" which implies hat it is legal.).
Also there are areas where there is abolutely no other way to go; as stated some exits out west are 10 , 20 or more miles apart. Don't try it in urban areas!
Yes, some have some type of rumble strips that are hazardous to your wheels.
Truck traffic at 75 mph (legal speed limit out here) can be a bit daunting with crosswinds; aslo double and in some places triple tractor trailers can cause havoc. Out west things are a bit different . . . never seen any triples in eastern US nor 75 mph speed limit. 80 mph on interstate in parts of TX.

In Massachusetts and, I am fairly certain, all other states in the North East, it is explicity forbidden to ride a bicycle on the interstate.

I am very curious how the New Mexico rule works. Who decides what is reasonable? Several things I might consider when plotting a route are horizontal distance, hills, road surface, and navigational simplicity. If the New Mexico rule were adopted here, I suspect that it would be interpreted in a very restrictive way, for example, by distinguishing routes only by their horizontal distance. For example, there is a New Mexico-type rule in Pennsylvania except that the traveller must petition the Department of Transportation in advance of their trip and the Department of Transportation decides whether there is a reasonable alternative.

Good question ... a bunch of locals told s that it was legal to ride on I-25. Chances are if you already live in the state and it was legal, you would already know it.

I am very curious how the New Mexico rule works. Who decides what is reasonable?

Try getting from Raton, NM to Trinidad, Co or further south or west into NM without riding (or driving for that matter) on the Interstate, and you'll understand how easy it is to make that determination. It can be done, but only if you are willing to essentially go off-road or 40-50 miles out of your way.

It's illegal to ride on interstates in all of Nebraksa.

Eli, if you're in the Amherst area you're probably thinking primarily about Routes 91 and 90 (the Mass Pike) both roads are illegal for bike riding and well patrolled by state police, who will probably not be too cool with your not having an ID with you if you make that choice. While I understand your desire to cut some time and ride on these roads you'll probably get little support from MassBike or other advocacy groups in your area.

I ride cross state frequently and if I could get on the Mass Pike and ride west or east my life would be easier- the interstate is, indeed, smoother, more graded climbs and direct but in reality Central and Western Mass. have some of the best cycling roads I've ever ridden. Once you're in your area Route 9 is very ridable, relatively direct, hillier but not bad. And route 20 is quite nice once your west of Springfield, also direct (runs parallel to the pike) and well graded.

Routes 47/116/66/112- I ride all of those and while the hills (esp on the east to west rides) can be tough if I were in that much of a hurry I guess I'd take a car. And I'm talking as much about riding recreationally as transportationally.

do you have a Rubel Central Mass Bike Map? The winding, hilly roads of the Amherst area are gorgeous. And believe me when I'm trying to get from Newton to Becket I'd love to do it in the 121 miles it would take me on the Mass Pike as opposed to the 140 +/- on the hilly back roads. At those times I can sometimes fail to appreciate the charm but I do think that ultimately one of the advantages of a bike over a car is that it demands that we sometimes slow down and smell the roses- something an interstate may not always provide.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) prints a map of state highways and explicitly lists where it is allowed (green) and forbidden (yellow/black): http://www.dot.state.co.us/BikePed/Maps/Colorado%20Bike%20Map.pdf There are also explicit signs, at on-ramps where it is forbidden and on the interstate itself with a yellow "caution bikes" sign. When the interstate changes to become illegal, there is a "bicycles must exit" sign.

Cycling is legal on all the interstates in Wyoming, but then the largest city (Cheyenne) has only 53,000 people...

In northern NM, I cycled I-25 over Raton Pass into Colorado. There were "no bikes" signs at my on-ramp but since there really wasn't a good alternative route that didn't add 50+ miles, I went anyway. I didn't encounter any trouble and once in Colorado it was legal again.

I was once returning from Wyoming and bicycling on the shoulder of I-25 in Colorado where it was legal. I came up on a pair of state troopers who had stopped to assist with a truck driver that had rolled his truck and was still looking a bit shell shocked but otherwise ok. My intent was to bicycle past and leave them to their work, but as I approached one of the state troopers yelled out "Get off the interstate!".

So, I slowed and stopped. I pointed out that two miles before at mile marker 293 there was a "caution bikes" sign and three miles ahead was the "bikes must exit" sign. I didn't have the CDOT map with me, but told him about that too. It was all a polite conversation and the trooper apologized, pointing out that in his six years on the force, he just hadn't seen any bikes on the interstate.

Arizona did a study on bicycling on the interstates and found them safe. Of the few interstates I have cycled in Maryland I found it tons safer then most of our state roads. I'll never understand why roads with wide shoulders are considered less safe then 50mph roads with no shoulders here.

(Disclaimer I'm not original from Maryland and I do get lost/misdirected from time to time.)

Arizona did a study on bicycling on the interstates and found them safe.

Interesting. You don't happen to know where to find the report from this study?

I hate riding on the interstates. The whizzing of traffic , the gusts from passing trucks. And, never have I experienced so many flats. But, in the wide open spaces of the west, most states allow bikes to ride on the shoulders. / In states like Arizona, you have no choice if you want to go anywhere.

here's some video I uploaded to You Tube showing WA state interstate riding. Starts out with me on an onramp and with a bandana covering my face to help cut down on coarse particulates common along busy roadways. Later in the clip it shows a move across an onramp merge.

Typical shoulder widths. Catching the draft of passing truckers or a series of large trucks can really boost ones' speed and on a loaded touring bike I'v always felt more stable in wind blasts than on an unloaded bike. YMMV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF3EIFnAi9E

if you all are cyclotourists, check out where i've got a couple of 1 liter bottles mounted on the bike.

Interesting. You don't happen to know where to find the report from this study?

http://members.cox.net/ncutcdbtc/freeway/bkfwcr02.pdf

http://www.azbikeclub.com/interst.html

http://www.azdot.gov/Highways/Traffic/standards/PGP/TM1030.pdf

Thanks. I also found a study from California (http://transweb.sjsu.edu/mtiportal/research/publications/documents/BikesAndPeds.htm#pgfId-1010338). Its conclusions are not so favorable. Also, its authors clearly suffer from car-bias, although they are not outright anti-bicycle.

Its illegal in New York State. The troopers will pull you over and have you towed off.

Its really illegal on the Thruway. I would be very surprised if you managed to get on the highway with a bike. Troopers pick up hitchhikers on the highway and dump them off the highway at the nearest exit if they're lucky. If they're unlucky they get ticketed, arrested and thrown in jail.

My meaning of towed off - The bike will not be going into the police cruiser so they will most likely whistle up a DOT approved wrecker to come tow you off the highway. The wrecker then charges you the towing fee to move the vehicle.

I would consider it illegal, crazy and stupid to try biking on any of the highways in, around or about the NYC region. They are narrow, fast and unforgiving. With little to no break down lanes on the older expressways it is a death trap for bikes. Let alone trying to get through the construction areas.


From a personal note: I would not want to be on the same road as vehicles that are going 5-7 times faster than me. Plus the big trucks have a large air blast as they pass and I don't want to get knocked down by that.

No, I would not ride on a super highway with a bike.

Thanks. I also found a study from California (http://transweb.sjsu.edu/mtiportal/research/publications/documents/BikesAndPeds.htm#pgfId-1010338). Its conclusions are not so favorable.
Really? I don't see that there's enough data to make that conclusion, in part because we don't know the total number of bicycling miles corresponding to the 41 collisions in Districts 1, 2, and 3. The collision rates per million bicycle miles in the table above that show lower rates than the Kaplan and Moritz studies, but I can't speak to the accuracy of the bicycling miles in that case.

What can be said from the study is that I'd rather be a bicyclist on the freeway than a pedestrian! :D

well,

sounds like east coast, not so much, west of the mississippi sometimes you're going to have to ride the interstates if you want to get any where.

There's about 6 paved roads across the Cascade mountains in all of Washington state, and they are all state highways or interstates....
just like in Arizona, sometimes if you want to get someplace, an interstate or major highway is your ONLY option.

and its really not so bad. those that haven't tried it shouldn't knock it.

certainly east coast interstates are a different animal...... the east coast megalopolis is bound to provide a host of alternate routes.... western states sometimes not so many choices.

41 crashes over 9 years is bad? Without any exposure numbers it is really imposable to say but 41 crashes by itself does not set off any alarms in my head. I looks to me that if the study says anything it hints that there may be some dangerous interchange designs in California that need to be improved for cyclists.

certainly east coast interstates are a different animal...... the east coast megalopolis is bound to provide a host of alternate routes.... western states sometimes not so many choices.

Likely. Although I imagine most east coast would be similar to say LA.

I think the main problem, at least in the MD area is that the interstates are so packed with cars it would be extra dangerous at the on/off ramps. As you move further to Western MD, the interstates become more like what you are probably used to (from seeing your youtube video).

And yes on the plus side there are a plethora of smaller roads. I can get pretty much anywhere in the state without having to touch any interstates. I can get from our house to my parents (about 56 miles) completely on 2 lane back roads with speed limits of 45mph or less, and a section of a MUP. In fact on that ride the worst part is the MUP (the only place I have ever had a meaningful collision).

-D

well,

sounds like east coast, not so much, west of the mississippi sometimes you're going to have to ride the interstates if you want to get any where.

There's about 6 paved roads across the Cascade mountains in all of Washington state, and they are all state highways or interstates....
just like in Arizona, sometimes if you want to get someplace, an interstate or major highway is your ONLY option.

and its really not so bad. those that haven't tried it shouldn't knock it.

certainly east coast interstates are a different animal...... the east coast megalopolis is bound to provide a host of alternate routes.... western states sometimes not so many choices.

Growing up on the east coast, I never heard of anyone cycling on an interstate. But given how different the two coasts developed and the resulting density, it probably should be expected.

I also agree that riding on the interstate really isn't bad at all.

41 crashes over 9 years is bad? Without any exposure numbers it is really imposable to say but 41 crashes by itself does not set off any alarms in my head. I looks to me that if the study says anything it hints that there may be some dangerous interchange designs in California that need to be improved for cyclists.

:thumb:

Speaking of interchanges, there are basically two types cloverleaf and diamond. I have no troubles with diamonds but cloverleafs can be a real pain to cross.

If any of you are knowledgible about vehicular cycling or the legal system, I would greatly appreciate your comments. Those of you who are tempted to point out how crazy or stupid you think I am, I would greatly appreciate your restraint.

Twice I have ridden on interstate highways unintentionally and have come to realize what a hinderance it is to be excluded from them. On long trips, I would really like to be able to use them. I believe that it could reduce my travel time by more than 60%. (I am also very upset at the mere fact of being excluded but there is more to it than that.)

(1) How dangerous is it?
Do you do it? Do you use the shoulder or the road proper? If you use the shoulder, how do you deal with entrance and exit ramps, particularly at interchanges where it is not possible to exit and then re-enter? How, if at all, can it be done with reasonable safety?

(2) How illegal is it?
What should I do if I am confronted by a police officer? Can I be arrested? Would it be better not to carry ID? How should I handle a citation?

Thanks. I know this might be hopeless but I had to ask. It has been making me intensely upset ever since my most recent long trip about two months ago.

Having 3 years of criminology/criminal justice under my belt, and being an advid bicycler, In NC here, it is illegal to cycle on any highway, and I'm pretty sure in most states it is.
I doubt you would be arrested, probably just told to get off the high way, and if you dont, atleast I would haul them and their bike to the legal roads, and give them a ticket.
I would never ride on the highway, I rarely ride on main roads anywho.

"pretty sure?"

it's legal in many western states, tilderon - indeed, it is often the only paved road between two points, and specifically ALLOWED for bicyclists to ride on the interstates.

In Massachusetts and, I am fairly certain, all other states in the North East, it is explicity forbidden to ride a bicycle on the interstate.

In New Jersey, you are allowed to ride on most of the interstates and freeways after getting a permit from the NJDOT. Freeways are basically the same as interstates; wide shoulder, occasional rumble strip, and fast speeds, usually 50-65 mph. With speeds near 50-55mph, you might as well ride the interstates and freeways rather than single lane roads with no shoulder and 45-50 mph speed limits.


http://www.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/bike/highways.shtm

"pretty sure?"

it's legal in many western states, tilderon - indeed, it is often the only paved road between two points, and specifically ALLOWED for bicyclists to ride on the interstates.

Yeah here in CA it it legal unless otherwise posted. Of course it is "otherwise posted" at most on ramps, but there are notable exceptions. I used to ride on the interstate every day.

Yeah here in CA it it legal unless otherwise posted. Of course it is "otherwise posted" at most on ramps, but there are notable exceptions. I used to ride on the interstate every day.

There's at least one stretch of I-5 where interstate use is *required*, bikes (and cars) are excluded from side roads in the Fort Lewis area.

Bicycles are not allowed on the interstate in Missouri. (WEST of the Mississippi). Apparently you need to check with each state.

Actually, bicycles are banned from the travel lanes of interstates in Missouri.

There is a great, short study from the Arizona department of transportation pointing out thats it probably about the safest place in the world to ride your bicycle. I always feel more safe along a major highway like an interstate than I do on many city streets.

It is explicitly forbbiden in the state of Connecticut. State routes for the most part are legal (will be posted if otherwise). It is also illegal in Rhode Island if my memory serves me correctly. In most cases there are easier ways to get from point A to point B in the Northeast without using the Interstates. Locals roads, state routes, and side streets usually will get you to where you have to go without risking your life on the narrow shouldered highways of the north east

I recall that is is legal in Oregon - I recall seeing bikes and pedestrians on the I-5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver, OR.

This sort of bums me out, though. I was just reaching the point in my cycling development where I was considering commuting to work. However I just found out that our office is moving, and the commute will now involve using a bridge over the Ohio River that is the only one for miles.

It would seem to me to be a reasonable alternative, so support bike commuters, that they permit interstate highway use for bikes in cases like this - where the availability of an interstate highway bridge is the only route available.

I recall that is is legal in Oregon - I recall seeing bikes and pedestrians on the I-5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver, OR.

This sort of bums me out, though. I was just reaching the point in my cycling development where I was considering commuting to work. However I just found out that our office is moving, and the commute will now involve using a bridge over the Ohio River that is the only one for miles.

It would seem to me to be a reasonable alternative, so support bike commuters, that they permit interstate highway use for bikes in cases like this - where the availability of an interstate highway bridge is the only route available.

Do you know for a fact that you can't use this bridge?

Looking at this thread there seems to be a number of people that believe it is always illegal to ride on the interstate, when in fact that is not always the case.

Recently in my area they added bicycle signs to a stretch of interstate that has long been open to cyclists... but only cyclists knew this.

Now this sign exists along the 5 interstate:


http://fredericksburgrealestateblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/bike-sign.gif

With the words:
ON SHOULDER.

One night a year or so back I found myself drunk at someone's apartment with no ride home about 9 miles away and, in my inebriated state, thought it would be a good idea to just start walking. The fastest way home would be down 495. Never Again. Maybe out west there are wide shoulders to the highways, but I spent most of my time walking on grass right up against the guard rail where all the sand and debris is. Plus the ramps are so close around here with so much traffic that it would be way too big a pain in the ass for me. I was scared enough trying to get across them on foot at 3-4am, forget about midday on a bike.

However, there is a bridge on 93 that would save me about 3 mi of riding if I could cross it... maybe someday when its a parking lot I'll check it out. Speaking from North Shore area though, way too risky for the sake of a few miles.

In some areas of the country riding on a freeway (usually an Interstate Highway) may be the only route from point A to point B. Before embarking on a freeway adventure, know whether this is legal in the state where you choose to ride the freeway. Look for signage at the beginning of on-ramps which may indicate that bikes, pedestrians, parades, and other slow-moving vehicles may be prohibited.

5 states explicitly permit bicycles on the shoulders of all parts of interstate highways: Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Another 9 states permit bicycles on the shoulder of selected portions of the Interstate highway system: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Oklahoma, Texas, and the District of Columbia have no official policy, but unofficially discourage riding bikes on interstates. In Texas, bicycles are tolerated on interstates outside of city limits, but cyclists are prohibited on interstates inside cities.

34 states prohibit bicycles from all interstate highways: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

And just because you can ride on a freeway in your state doesn't always mean that you should... this is sort of a last-ditch measure because there simply are no other suitable roads to where you need to go.

In states where bicycles are permitted on freeways, they are usually required to use the shoulder. Take care not to crowd the white lane edge line. Freeway shoulders are normally at least 8 feet wide. Usually at least four or five feet of clean shoulder are available before encountering debris or gravel along the far edge. Traveling on the shoulder provides the cyclist a safer margin against wind blast from the large trucks, which make up from 20 to as much as 40 percent of freeway traffic.

Be alert on freeway shoulders for various types and positions of rumble strips and raised pavement markers. Cross them with caution. Also watch for chunks of truck tire tread, which occur frequently on freeway shoulders.

Be extra careful when crossing freeway entrance & exit ramps. Motorists certainly aren't going to be looking for you to be there.

On exit ramps, keep to the right until you have a large enough opening to cross the ramp and continue on the through-bound shoulder.

For entrance ramps, cross the ramp where the merge begins and continue on the right shoulder.

When entering or leaving the freeway on the left, wait for a sufficient gap in traffic, and cross all the lanes at once. Changing lanes one at a time on a freeway is not safe.

Be extra wary of overpasses and flyovers, because there usually aren't any shoulders on these ... putting your 20-mph bike directly in the path of a 75-mph semi-truck or 85-mph SUV... If for no other reason, this is good cause to avoid the freeway.

Tom

...here in WA it is expressly allowed except for short stretches in and around major urban centers...

same in Oregon, legal except for within the Portland Metro area and a short stretch down south in Medford.


OAR 734-020-0045

Prohibition of Non-Motorized Vehicles on Freeways

(1) Non-motorized vehicles are prohibited upon the following segments of freeways within the State of Oregon:

(a) Portland area:

(A) The Columbia River Highway No. 2 (Banfield/I-84) from its intersection with I-5, M.P. 0.00, to 122nd Avenue, M.P. 10.25, east bound, and to Sandy Boulevard, M.P. 15.14, west bound;

(B) The Sunset Highway No. 47 easterly of the Jefferson Street Interchange, M.P. 73.35;

(C) Interstate 5 (Hwy. No. 1) from the Beaverton - Tigard Highway Interchange, M.P. 292.20, to the Delta Park Interchange, M.P. 306.70;

(D) Interstate 205 (Hwy. No. 64) northerly of the Overcrossing of the Oswego Highway No. 3, M.P. 8.82;

(E) Interstate 405 (Hwy. No. 61) in its entirety; and

(F) Lower Columbia Highway No. 2W from its intersection with I-405, M.P. 0.00, to 23rd Street, M.P. 1.99.

(b) Medford area: Interstate 5 (Pacific Highway No. 1) from the Barnet Road Interchange, M.P. 27.58, to the Crater Lake Highway Interchange, M.P. 30.29 (in Medford).

(2) The closure of the above sections to non-motorized vehicles shall become effective following the erection of adequate signing.

Having 3 years of criminology/criminal justice under my belt, and being an advid bicycler, In NC here, it is illegal to cycle on any highway, and I'm pretty sure in most states it is.

Up here in Washington we have 2 ultradistance races, The Cannonball and the S-2-S, which use the highways as their route.

The Cannonball goes from Seattle to Spokane on I-90 (from the first legal entrance at Issaquah, to the last legal exit, marked with a sign stating "bicycles must exit freeway").
The S-2-S is Seattle to Spokane over SR-2.

Once you're used to riding on the highway, it's not any scarier than riding in downtown traffic or on suburban connector streets.

highway 2 is a bit tenuous because it is NOT an interstate with interstate width shoulders..... there are stretches on highway2 between deception falls and monroe that can be a bit 'tight' during periods of both direction traffic.

The half dozen bridges on Highway 2 are also pinch points, and the tunnel. I think the tunnel has a two foot 'shoulder' to ride on.

(Highway 2 is not an interstate.)

highway 2 is a bit tenuous because it is NOT an interstate with interstate width shoulders..... there are stretches on highway2 between deception falls and monroe that can be a bit 'tight' during periods of both direction traffic.

The half dozen bridges on Highway 2 are also pinch points, and the tunnel. I think the tunnel has a two foot 'shoulder' to ride on.

(Highway 2 is not an interstate.)

Not that it's of any consequence, since 2 isn't an interstate (whoops, my bad), but the S2S picks up Hwy 2 at exit 16, just east of Monroe. So (I think) it avoids those pinch points; but you do get a bit crowded on SR-522 crossing the Snohomish River.

I've only ridden on I-90 out to Snoqualmie Pass, and aside from the (avoidable) debris it's a much less stressful ride than taking 202 from Redmond to North Bend to get to the interstate.

off topic: tough riding between monroe and deception falls. i think a half dozen bridges, 2 narrow lanes without adequate passing facilities and heavy traffic, a tunnel..... one of the most dangerous roads for motorists in the state. it's a buttclencher.

interstates are much nicer riding.

Interstates were designed and built for motorists so they could keep up a good constant speed without having to worry about pedestrians, bicyclists, kids running into the street, traffic lights, stop signs, and so on.

The only condition under which I'd consider bicycling on the interstate would be if everyone in the U.S. died except for me. Then there'd be no traffic to watch out for. But if I were in a hurry, I'd probably drive an abandoned car until it ran out of gas. :)

sometimes out west they are the only road to get where you need to go. so legal it is!

and not bad compared to some two lane state highways.

(1) How dangerous is it?

(2) How illegal is it?


I biked on Interstate Highways 3 times that I can think of off hand during bike tours. 15 miles east of Rawlins, WY - legal. Also 20 miles north of Dillon, Montana on I-15. Both were rather pleasurable and remote. The law at the time (20 years ago) was "No other road within 100 miles".

I biked 10 miles of I-55 in northern Mississippi - illegal - but we got permission from the State Police due to flooding of the state highway system at the time. That was not so fun, as there were a couple of bridges up to an eighth of a mile long with no shoulders. We waited until there were no big trucks on the horizon before beginning a sprint across them. Still, some jerk in a black El Camino (yes, I remember you!) sped up to what seemed like 100 mph and brushed us purposely. My baby sister - college age at the time - was with me. I will look for him in Hell when I get there.

All 3 times speed limits were still 55 mph.

Interstates are dirty, noisy, boring, with debris filled shoulders, and I think dangerous. Also, the number of jerks per mile is tenfold what it would be on a state highway or county road.

If I were you, I would limit my Interstate riding to "must do" in areas where it is legal.

Oklahoma, Texas, and the District of Columbia have no official policy, but unofficially discourage riding bikes on interstates. In Texas, bicycles are tolerated on interstates outside of city limits, but cyclists are prohibited on interstates inside cities.In Texas, state law does not prohibit bicycles on Interstates, which makes it legal if some other law (like a city or county law) doesn't make it illegal.

I can't speak about other cities, but Austin has no laws that make cycling on IH-35 (the only Interstate in town) illegal, so it would seem to be legal here, which came up recently after this video (http://www.vimeo.com/1835832) of the local Critical Mass riding on the upper deck of IH-35 hit the interwebs (more background) (http://www.atxbs.com/?q=taxonomy/term/409). The Texas Department of Transportation has confirmed both that it's legal and illegal (details (http://community.livejournal.com/austincommunity/6348172.html), though the `legal' determination was more carefully thought out), but did strongly discourage it ...

Edit:

Also, I'd like to add that `policy' does not equal `law'. You don't get arrested for not following a policy -- you get arrested for not obeying the law. The only exception is if the law says `follow the policy' -- but even then, you're breaking the law.

I know it's illegal in Georgia (not to mention all the dangers from cars, and people that yell and throw things at you). I think that direct bicycle routes that connect locations in a comparable manner as highways should be a priority. But these trails should be separate from the highway. I would not ride my bike on the highway... It just sucks. Worse than normal traffic.

Sometimes there is almost no difference between using the interstate versus the alternate route: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bDvmtzNDfA

I can't fathom why folks hate riding the interstate so much. Many other highways around here involve riding 2 feet from 55 mph traffic, compared to riding 8 feet from 70 mph traffic. The latter just feels better to me.

If all other highways had wide shoulders I'd be on 'em for sure!

I rode From Vancouver, WA to Tumwater, WA twice this summer - all I-5, except through Centralia/Chehalis where flood repair workers have erected Jersey barriers that reduce the shoulder width significantly. Great trips both times.