cdrewferd

Hi all. I'm fairly new to the forum but am liking everything so far. I am hoping you all can help me. I would really like to start commuting to work on my bike. I currently live in Westminster, but Rocky Mountain Regional Airport, but work in Boulder. Do you guys know if the below route would be good on a bike?

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Rock...40.0170834!3e1

I know that Google says it would be good, but how bike friendly are those roads? I'm not 100% comfortable riding in traffic and would prefer dedicated bike lanes if that's possible. Let me know what you guys think.

valygrl

The area around McCaslin crossing over Hwy 36 is very unsafe for bikes right now, during construction. You can avoid the intersection by taking the pedestrian bridge over 36 from the RTD parking lot north of Whole Foods - but that adds more busy intersections and an annoying hike up & down the stairs. AT some point they are supposed to be opening a bike lane paralleling Hwy 36, which might change things.

Meanwhile I would do this, though it is a little longer.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Rock...40.0170834!3e0

Either way, you will be riding on the road mostly with bike lanes, with traffic. I don't know a way to avoid that. Ride with traffic, obey traffic laws the same as if you were a car, wear bright, visible clothing, and assume you are invisible. It's fine, it just takes some getting used to.

cdrewferd

Roads with bike lanes would be fine. I know it'll just take getting used to, and that's ok. I'm going to try driving the above route tomorrow and see how bike friendly the roads look.

I drive 36 everyday, so I see the progress they are making. I can't wait until they get the bike path open, will make it much easier to commute.

MileHighMark

What about going via Marshall and Cherryvale (replacing some of McCaslin and So Boulder)?

cdrewferd

That's the current thought. Do you have any experience with either of those roads on a bike? I'm also wondering if 18 miles one way is too much to commute. That's probably around 2 hours until I get in better shape, so that's a lot of the day commuting.

valygrl

Marshall to Cherryvale is what I suggested. They are good on a bike. THey only part of the linked route I haven't ridden is the part right near the south end around the airport & mall. the rest of it, from Coalton north, I've ridden all of it and it's fine. The Marshall & Cherryvale parts are actually better than fine, they are nice, I ride those recreationally.

cdrewferd

Awesome, thanks for the info. I live just south of the airport, but wanted to use a big landmark. The road/trail from the airport to McCaslin is possible on either the road or an actual bike path. I will be driving this route tomorrow and see how things look. If all goes well, maybe I'll ride to work on Friday!

MileHighMark

I commute from Superior to Boulder almost every day. McCaslin > Marshall > Cherryvale > Boulder Creek Path (12 miles one-way). It's a nice ride, but the recent flooding and road work in Boulder has impacted my route to work (meaning I spend more time on busier roads).

cdrewferd

Awesome, thanks for the info. I'm really looking at the above route. I drove it on my way home today and it looks great. There are some large hills both directions, but nothing I shouldn't be able to tackle. Need to get some gear though. Probably need a rack, panniers, lights and some reflective gear.

MileHighMark

You may want to consider fenders, too. Even if you don't get caught in the rain, there are plenty of times when the roads will be wet from a storm that came through earlier.

cdrewferd

Yes, I will be getting fenders as well, thought I included that but must have forgotten.

With all the rain that is supposed to start coming in the afternoons, it might be a bit before I can do this. That's probably not a bad thing so I can work on long distances more. Thanks for all your help.

MileHighMark

For grins, google Mayhoffer-Singletree Trail. It's a fun diversion/distraction that helps keep things interesting.