Digital_Cowboy

It would depend on just how much longer the longer and safer route is/was. If it only added an extra mile or so to the trip then I'd go for it. But if if significantly increased the distance traveled then I'd probably opt for the shorter and unfortunately more stressful route.

commo_soulja

I'd choose the longer route. Anytime I avoid traffic hazards and get to ride in a nice rural area the better the ride. Plus you get to put in more miles. Win, Win!

tarwheel 

This is a no-brainer for me. I would choose the longer route. First, it's safer and less stressful. Second, you get more riding in. I could cut 2-3 miles each way from my commute route by taking more direct, but busier roads. However, I might not be here to talk about it, and even if I survived, I wouldn't enjoy the ride as much.

BezO

I'm currently scouting for a new route. My current commute is about 2.6 miles, no bike lanes, almost all on a 4-6 lane street.

Using Google Maps bike directions, the best route is 3.3 miles. Only 1/3 of it provides bike lanes. Another 1/3 is on what they call bike friendly roads. The trip home has less bike lane due to a one way street.

I am looking forward to a longer commute. Not a lot of bike lanes where I live & work, so no matter how out of the way I travel, the commute is going to be hectic. I'd definitely opt for the longer, safer route.

Bike Gremlin

Routes from home to work with less traffic are also routes that drunk people use on friday/saturday nights and sunday afternoons to avoid cops, so I don't use them on those days. Otherwise, yes. Nicer and a bit longer ride. win-win.

globie

Definitely longer, less traffic. I add about 13 percent distance to my commute and enjoy it 100 percent more, by riding through parks, campuses, trails and quiet neighborhoods.
I commute for the joy of it more than anything. During rush hours in a city, I enjoy it far more on the backways.
I don't regret the extra 10 minutes on my commute when it's fun.

The Chemist

This is a city of 25 million people. No matter what route I choose, there will inevitably be several roads I need to use that have heavy traffic. I've tried to choose a route with at least half the 24km distance on non-busy roads - but to be honest, I find that riding in heavier traffic is actually quite fun too.

BezO

Tried a more bike friendly route requested by Google Maps. It ended up being worse than my normal route. Most of my normal route has more lanes & more traffic, but no parked cars. The route I tried yesterday was mostly on 2 lane streets, so fewer cars (still quite busy), but almost no bike lanes. I had to be even more alert, making sure I didn't get doored. Still looking.

I love living in the city for the proximity, but DC is not the most bike friendly city. We're getting a velodrome soon. Hopefully more bike lanes are on the way.

Don in Austin

If all I want to do is get to work quickly i have a car for that, but I like to cycle -- 15 miles each way -- a few times per week. I could cut a few miles off the ride if I was willing to ride on relatively hostile streets -- no way!

Don in Austin

wphamilton

These threads are dangerous. I took my shorter fast route in today. I don't know why, I didn't even intend to, but I just turned off without thinking about it and there I was waiting at a red light on North Point Drive. Not that I'm complaining because sometimes I like to go "fast" without dodging pedestrians and that's the only way to do it but I blame this thread and the power of suggestion.

SuncoastChad

Word! I don't have any "scenic" routes so I pick the less stressful when possible. I'll ride the 45-50 mph 4-lane routes when I must but sure appreciate the parallel MUP paths when I can use them. I don't have to dodge many folks on the particular paths I use - just the occassional Phillies phan when I ride past Brighthouse Field (spring training).

Leebo

I chose the more scenic, less traffic more bike path route. Much less stressful and enjoyable.

locolobo13 

To me there is no right or wrong answer to this question. Sometimes I just get the urge to see or do something different and ride a different way home. Try them both and decide for yourself.

My old commute was on a lesser travelled street. Every 1/4 to 1/2 mile I had to stop and yield to heavier traffic or wait for a light. Since my job moved I am travelling on a bike path along a busier street. I was worried about it at first. However since traffic is heavier the lights change faster. I find myself taking the lane and pushing harder to accelerate thru the intersections. My average and max speeds on the computer are higher.

canyoneagle

+100
I use google maps' recommendations as a starting point, then I scout options. I will ALWAYS prefer a longer route on quieter streets than a shorter, white knuckle anxiety fest with folks who don't want me in their lane. No thanks. It's just not worth it to save a few minutes, IMO.

JeremyZ

I think in your case, I'd take the slightly longer route.

It can vary though. In my case, the shorter route is 26 miles one way, and the longer is 30+ miles and takes an hour longer. Either route is downright hazardous. Some places have 50 mph speed limits, so all it takes is one unattentive person texting while driving to end my life.

Doohickie

It depends on how much difference there is between the two routes, and the actual traffic on each route, and also what the lighting conditions are. I prefer to avoid rural roads myself because even though there is less traffic, it's often going much faster than I am, which freaks me out some.

Which ever you go with, try changing it up and trying the other way once in a while.