Commuting - How fast is traffic?

I'd like to start commuting to work but am a little concerned about how fast traffic moves. My route would be down a two lane state highway. Traffic is usually moving along at 60 + mph. I'd have to go 15 miles one way. Traffic is moderate, I counted 200 cars going the other direction on this morning's commute. Shoulder width varies from 3' to 5'.
Is this a safe route?
What are some of the conditions you commute in?

I'd like to start commuting to work but am a little concerned about how fast traffic moves. My route would be down a two lane state highway. Traffic is usually moving along at 60 + mph. I'd have to go 15 miles one way. Traffic is moderate, I counted 200 cars going the other direction on this morning's commute. Shoulder width varies from 3' to 5'.
Is this a safe route?
What are some of the conditions you commute in?

If the shoulder is 3-5' wide I wouldn't worry... most people are going 70-90mph on the roads I regularly ride on with similar shoulders and haven't had a problem.

I ride on a 4-lane highway in the mountains and it has some really sharp curves and no shoulder. Get a 3rd eye mirror and it will make you feel a ton better if you can keep you eye on things. That doesn't sound like too bad of a road. Try it out, you get used to the cars rushing by. Peace.

Definitely get a mirror and stay away from traffic as far and safely as possible.
Get a flexible pole (you can get em at most traffic safety catalogs) and hang it off to your left side with a large orange flag so cars stay further left.
A truck passing by within inches at 75mph can suck you into traffic, which is a big no no.

I'd like to start commuting to work but am a little concerned about how fast traffic moves. My route would be down a two lane state highway. Traffic is usually moving along at 60 + mph. I'd have to go 15 miles one way. Traffic is moderate, I counted 200 cars going the other direction on this morning's commute. Shoulder width varies from 3' to 5'.
Is this a safe route?
What are some of the conditions you commute in?
That shouldn't be unsafe, although it doesn't sound terribly pleasant. Usually I ride back roads, but today I was in a hurry so I was riding a major state route. It has a paved shoulder of about three feet, but I ride just to the right of the white line because the road is smoother there and any glass/gravel has been swept away by traffic.

Another part of my ride today (2.5 miles) was a slightly busier road with no ridable shoulder at all. There's still plenty of room for cars and trucks to pass without moving into the oncoming lane so it's not really a problem, but it gives me very little room for error. I keep my wheels within about six inches of the white line which is about 10 inches from a dropoff into sand. It's especially challenging on days like today when winds were gusting to 30 mph.

I don't think the relative speed of the cars is a real serious issue, although I admit that common sense would say that it should be. Most of the time you are not where cars are going to drive anyway and drivers are almost always looking ahead at the road, even if it's just to avoid debris. I ride with the assumption that drivers generally don't want to get my blood on their cars.

I'd like to start commuting to work but am a little concerned about how fast traffic moves. My route would be down a two lane state highway. Traffic is usually moving along at 60 + mph.
Be extremely visible from a long distance, both daytime and night.

cytoman

My commute is along a rural road with no shoulders. This route has several blind curves with a speed limit of 45MPH. I think you would be just fine with those shoulders. Like others have said, be VERY visible both night and day. I have bright jerseys and jackets for daytime. For night I have several blinkies on the back along with reflective tape. A good headlight. Also a safety orange vest with reflective striping. I also use a 3rd Eye helmet mounted mirror to keep an eye on my "6."

You'll get more comfortable with your route over time. Just remember to stay alert. Bicycle commuting is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and those around you.

Enjoy!

Bob

. . . I have bright jerseys and jackets for daytime. For night I have several blinkies on the back along with reflective tape. A good headlight. Also a safety orange vest with reflective striping. . .


My husband has told me that since he started running his bike lights during the daylight parts of his commute, people seem to see him better and give him wider berths because of this when they pass him. He commutes with a solid "on" front light and flash-to-catch-the-eye tail light.

So you might want to invest eventually (if not sooner) in a good lighting system. Husband had a Nightrider and he likes it--and so do I.

Thanks all for your replies. I've been using a mirror when riding since January. I'll definitly invest in some blinkies. I'll only be commuting in the daylight for now. I'm a school teacher and we only have a few weeks left. hopefully I can start bike commuting before school ends, especially with gas a $2.30/gal.

Thanks once agian, cytoman

[QUOTE=foehn]My husband has told me that since he started running his bike lights during the daylight parts of his commute, people seem to see him better and give him wider berths because of this when they pass him. He commutes with a solid "on" front light and flash-to-catch-the-eye tail light.
{QUOTE]

I'll vouch for the daytime lighting also. I've been running blinkies on the rear of all my bikes this year. I've gotten in the habit of turning em on when I start my ride, regardless of daylight conditions. I've noticed drivers giving me a wider berth. Several coworkers have commented about how visible/eye catching they are even from quite a distance back.

Surprisingly, the cheapie Bell (~$5) one seems to be the most effective.

LED Blinkers don't catch the eye very well at night. While they are generally apparent if you are looking for them, they are unlikely to catch the eye of an unalert driver, which is the person we all fear most.

A Xenon strobe is what you need to catch the notice of drivers who might not be looking for you, found at:

http://www.southwestpublicsafety.com/ligbasbikstr.html

I don't think anyone can ignore these. Flashing amber is legal for slow moving vehicles in most states.

. . .

I'll vouch for the daytime lighting also. I've been running blinkies on the rear of all my bikes this year. I've gotten in the habit of turning em on when I start my ride, regardless of daylight conditions. I've noticed drivers giving me a wider berth.

This is exactly what my husband has told me. He's had people tell him this at stop lights when he comes alongside them.


Several coworkers have commented about how visible/eye catching they are even from quite a distance back. . .

This I what I have seen--husband's lights, front and rear are just as bright or brighter than car lights!