nenn

im on the train today, for i live in the bronx and work in brooklyn, and it was horrid, just horrid. over crowded, hot, gross, arguments.

im done.

google maps says its 15.1 miles from my job to my doorstep. if i can bike 4 miles in 22 minutes or so. i dont see why i cant do the 15.1 if most of it is flat ground, manhattan is pretty flat i think, in about an hour.

took me 2.5 hrs to get to work!

GAH!

Little Darwin

If you haven't checked into it yet, I think the Commuting forum has some regulars that commute in NYC. They would be a good resource for helping you with best routes and motivation.

pgoat

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yes, lots of good threads here, and other resources elsewhere online.

Basically, you'll need to get your bike/clothing/route etc. selected - it will be a new routine and may be a PITA at first but once you get stuff dialed in you will never go back. I almost never take the train now.

ride safe, and enjoy!

jyossarian

Turns out NYC isn't as flat as you'd think. Fine tune your route and you'll get there faster.

nenn

hmmm riding clothes eh?

so far i know i need glasses, i biked a bit north of the city and killed about 1000 bugs with my face eww

sukram

In this weather a change of clothes (or just a change of shirt) and perhaps some extra deodorant is a good thing.

pgoat

you'll most likely find what stuff you need as you go, it will take a few weeks, plus you want to have certain creature comforts for arriving at work not too sweaty, etc and riding safely in rush hour traffic.

For me, that includes clean clothes, deodorant and other toiletries at work. Food at my desk so I can refuel. a comfy beater bike that can get beat up.

Glasses are my number 1 need in the city. I'd sooner dump gloves and even my helmet than ride without glasses. I don't wear padded shorts etc for my commute (only 7 miles each way). Shorts and something light on top are sufficient. For cold and wet you'll need decent weather stuff but it doesn't have to be extravagant.

Stacy

Hey what about us?? We've got plenty of good routes! Resources

Commando303

Umm...because you're a human being, and human beings get tired — by your logic, you could travel 1,000 miles within four days (just never stop or slow).

Little Darwin

Well, I didn't say to abandon here, just providing another alternative. I suspect there is a commuter or two over there that doesn't read here.

Back at you!

pgoat

There is good general commuting advice there. Definitely stay here for Tri-state area specific stuff.

You may wanna venture into "safety and advocacy" when needed, and "winter cycling" for advice when the cold comes along. I usually chicken out around Thanksgiving...this year I HTFU, spent a few hundred bucks on better clothes and made it through winter no problem. Especially sweet since the subway actually gets worse in bad weather. Get the right clothes, keep your bike ready and you can ride through pretty much anything the NE throws at us.

Pat Eisenhauer

That's a 6mph average. That HAS to be wrong. General rule of thumb for city riding is like 15mph average.

pgoat

I think he meant the train took 2.5 hrs.

And yes, the train should go faster than 6 mph - and frequently, it does not!

jeebusaurousrex

Get a rack/pannier to pack your work clothes/socks/shoes/deodorant/personal grooming stuff. From my own experience, riding in your work clothes ("business" attire) results in high dry cleaning bills and ruined (expensive) suit pants and dress shoes.

Get to work early to clean up and change from your bike specific clothes. I sweat like a pig and find that taking a shower right before the commute makes me less stinky than if I shower the night before.

15mph average sounds about right in the city. My 11 mile commute from Brooklyn to midtown takes about 45 minutes.

jeebusaurousrex

God, don't they just creep along sometimes? The absolute worst commutes are when the train creeps along, stops, creeps along, stops, creeps along, stops...stops...stops...announcement...stops...creeps along...

To be frank though, I gotta say the two lines I most frequently take, D and N trains have become much, MUCH better than even a year ago, late nights included. My biggest complaint is the weekend track work out in Brooklyn which messes up Manhattan bound trains. But hey, if it's the price to pay for improved service in the future I'm all for it.

pgoat

yeah, when they run smoothly the subways here are terrific. I will say they tend to run slow like that when I am in the biggest hurry (job interview, etc)