spidercyclist

Do you ever try to find Alternative routes? I am trying to find a new route so I can miss the Highway on and off ramps. There is always a lot of traffic. I have also found a couple of rail beds that would take me to work. I always try to have more than one way to work. Thanks.

RainmanP

I have 2 alternatives for my homeward commute, ranging from 11-13 miles, both of which keep me off the streets with heavy traffic.

Rowan

I have three or four routes. Depends whether I am "in training", want a quick, efficient route home, or want to tootle along. Usually quick and efficient means traffic and a little unpleasant. There are always hills, so I can't plan *anything* to escape them on a commute.

Cycling/scenic amenity is a subjective measure of how a ride feels. Heavy or speedy traffic usually means poor cycling/scenic amenity. A lightly trafficked suburban road route around a point on the river means pleasant cycling/scenic amenity. I try to take the second as often as possible.

Chris L

My experience around here is that there is always a trade-off. I find the safer routes to be the most heavily trafficked ones, and the more scenic routes to be the less trafficked ones -- although this doesn't necessarily apply on weekend rides when I can escape suburbia. Fortunately, the scenic route on my commute always has at least enough traffic to provide a few witnesses, which was extremely useful when I was attacked by a punch-throwing yobbo at a set of lights earlier this year.

Frank B

I picked my new apartment with biking very much in mind. The quickest way is 5 miles of 35mph, extremely wide shoulders for half of the trip, and a pretty good ride for just waking up in the morning. So I don't need to hunt for alternative routes when I commute. However, when I go run errands and such then I almost always do. It's quicker and easier most of the time to take a back route then to try and hang in traffic.

RainmanP

The only exposure I want to streets with heavy traffic is when I have to cross them. To achieve this I will gladly ride a mile or two out of my way. My philosophy:
"Hey, if I was in a hurry I wouldn't be riding a bike."

Zin

There are only 2 roads that lead back into town from my place. I normally use the longer more scenic route. (also safer)

Dahon.Steve

I think most people never take this into consideration when choosing a place to more. Everyone seems to locate themselves in the middle of sprawl where it's impossible or dangerous to commute by bicycle or public transport.

My commute used to be five miles in hard traffic but now it's only 11 blocks to the light rail station. Not much of a commute but waaaaay better than before.

froze

I'm always exploring, though on a road bike. When commuting I stick to the quickest way to work; but on the way home I'll deviate quite a bit.