Touring - biking on interstate?

I am planning a trip across the USA and was trying to avoid riding on interstates because of their high traffic. However, after asking around, someone who had planned his own trip told me that the interstates are the best choice because there is more consistent quality and they have wide shoulders, whereas some state roads are not repaired as often.

Is he right or should I avoid interstates whenever possible?

My suggestion is to avoid interstatres for 2 reasons. 1) whenever I get on (KY) I see postings that include No bicycles. 2) you miss out on the small towns and beautiful scenery.

From bicyclinginfo.org:


Are bicyclists allowed to ride on interstates?

Allowed on all interstates: Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming

Allowed on certain sections of interstate system: New Jersey (Permits granted for particular use and location), North Carolina (DOT may approve opening certain section), Pennsylvania (DOT may approve opening certain section)

Allowed on interstates where no alternative route exists (usually means access is prohibited in urban areas): Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington

Access not expressly prohibited: District of Columbia and Missouri

In all other states, bicyclists are not allowed to ride on interstates. However, even in these states, there are exceptions to this rule where bicyclists are permitted to use a particular bridge that is part of the interstate system (e.g. I-66 in Virginia, I-70 in Kansas).

I have cycled on interstates. The shoulder is wide enough that the debris from the cars only goes to 1/2 way or 2/3 of the shoulder. That means if you ride far right, you are away from traffic. Exits are a little hairy. I would definately pace myself to find a break in traffic before crossing a exit or entrance ramp. This is one place where I don't "take the road" or try to impose bicycling rights. That being said, it is a little stressful with the noise factor but I found it much safer than a lot of roads and byways I have traveled. In addition, you will find more services (food/drink/bathrooms and people) than country roads.

I've ridden on an interstate for short stretches. As with any road with a wide shoulder, there are always some idiots driving down the road with two wheels in the lane. This is bad enough on a regular road, but when the traffic is whizzing by at 65+MPH, it's too scary for me.

Man alive!! ANYBODY who would ride on an Interstate has more
brass than I've got!!!!!!!!!!!!

some times you have no choice but i get off asap it is loud and nerve racking place to ride
catfish

Hmm, I thought all riding on NJ interstates was illegal.. I-80 I-287, etc... A bunch of them have signs specifically stating such.

Of course, I have seen the odd person crusing up I-287 before...

Jay

many times out west you have no choice. there just ain't no roads other than the
interstates. they are usually in good repair, with a wide (15'+) shoulder. away from
the larger towns, where i-state riding is prohibited, the traffic is often quite light.
as long as you're careful at the on/off ramps, this is much safer than urban riding.

note that the high speeds are not that much higher that the primary routes. u.s.
highways with narrower shoulders and just as much traffic are 65 mph in new mex,
and 75 mph in texas. by the way, where i live the speed limits are merely
suggestions....not enough cops to patrol the great wide empty....cruise control is
often set at 90+.

one advantage of interstate riding is the wide right-of-way, offering plenty of
camping possibilities. useful in places like texas where there is little public land.

You would do well to find out what the rules are for interstate riding and bikes. I'm not 100% sure, but I think in Illinois, it's illegal. It would be wise to find out where you can and cannot ride.

Good luck!

Koffee

You would do well to find out what the rules are for interstate riding and bikes. I'm not 100% sure, but I think in Illinois, it's illegal. .....
Koffee

Yep Illegal.

On some parkways in New York you can leagally ride your bike, and I have. I rode 20 miles on one and was passed by 4 cars. It was a very strange sensation have this 4 lane divided highway all to myself.

While I was sitting on the City of Toronto Cycling Committee a safety expert gave us a presentation on bicycle accidents. The study was not just on Toronto, but all of North America.

The one thing I remember from the presentation was that the greater the difference in speed between automobile and cycle traffic on a given road, the more likely a cyclist would be killed in a collision.

It makes sense. If you are going 30 in a 40 zone, the collision would not be a serious as if traffic was moving at 100 and you were going 30.

That said, and the noise and fumes from an expressway, I'd rather take more time and live to enjoy the view down the side roads.

The idea of riding on the interstate is just plain stupid. How would you not get killed at the exits? Tires fly off cars and trucks regularly, people pass on the shoulder, and fall asleep.

Bicycling on istates is nasty business. Catfish hit the nail on the head: it's nervracking. Sometimes you can't avoid them in which case stay far to the right and keep an eye out of broken glass. For me the noise and exaust from passing cars can ruin my ride no matter what condition the road is in. Also, my nerves can't hold out more than an hour max on a busy highway. I highly discourage using them on your trip.

Man alive!! ANYBODY who would ride on an Interstate has more
brass than I've got!!!!!!!!!!!!

Agreed! In general I'd avoid interstates unless there is no other feasible or reasonably efficient route. Just use common sense. Even in states were bicycles are prohibited on interstate highways, I don't think you get into trouble if used it very a short stretch out of necessity. Most cops are more understanding than people give them credit for.

In Maryland bicycles are not only prohibited on Interstate and Defense System Highways (including US 50, which is the only Interstate and Defense Highway without an Interstate number), but from several other routes as well. The good news is that Maryland DOT has a map for bicyclists which makes avoiding these routes relatively easy. The biggest sore point is the Bay Bridge, but if you call in advance they will attempt to find a way to ferry you across in a motor vehicle.

I have worked for a cross country touring company for the last 3 summers.. in Nevada and Utah, we have no choice. I80 is the only road that is close to our route, so that's what we ride on. Personally, I don't really mind it. I actually have fun with it. Sure, it's boring, but the trucking coming by give you a good tailwind. Just stay in the right 3rd of the shoulder and keep and eye out for debris and you'll be ok. I would also advise to check with the state's DOT before jumping on the interstates. We have signed permits for the times when our tours come through. I am not sure if that's just for a group, or if that would also be needed for an individual.

Illegal in Iowa

I am planning a trip across the USA and was trying to avoid riding on interstates because of their high traffic. However, after asking around, someone who had planned his own trip told me that the interstates are the best choice because there is more consistent quality and they have wide shoulders, whereas some state roads are not repaired as often.

Is he right or should I avoid interstates whenever possible?

Interstates are great if you want to see the diversity of life. Be sure to check out one of my favorite towns found along the Interstates. Maybe you've already seen it. It's called "Gas, Food, Lodging". Where there is no choice there is no choice. Otherwise stay far far away!

Wells

The idea of riding on the interstate is just plain stupid. How would you not get killed at the exits? Tires fly off cars and trucks regularly, people pass on the shoulder, and fall asleep.


THE INTERSTATE OF DOOM! The interstate from what I've ridden on up here isn't so bad, You gotta plan correctly. If you're going any long distance, Travel at night, rest in the day. Prepare for this by adjusting your sleeping and working hours if possible. Boxers do the same thing for fights at night, truckers often times do this to avoid traffic.

From bicyclinginfo.org:

Allowed on interstates where no alternative route exists (usually means access is prohibited in urban areas): Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington


Yep. I have a pretty nice cycling map of Colorado which shows the sections of interstates you're allowed to use. They're also marked with warning signs for the motorists to show that there may be cyclists on the road. That said...I've *NEVER* seen a bicycle on the interstate in Colorado. You're allowed to on parts of I-25 around here, but I think it'd be suicide to try it. Yikes. I don't even like DRIVING on I-25.