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Man am I grateful

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Old 07-31-10, 12:38 PM
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Man am I grateful

That I don't have some of the commutes that some of you folks do. 75 yards from my car to the bike path after crossing 2 streets, then 13.2 miles of bike path and another .5 miles of quiet roadway to get to work and the same on the way home. I'm lucky enough not to have to deal with all the crazies that you guys do.
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Old 07-31-10, 01:40 PM
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My commute is only about 8-9 miles, through rural highways and neighborhoods. It's not too bad, I am just a wuss.
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Old 07-31-10, 06:26 PM
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I was just thinking the same thing. I live 35 miles from work. I drive 10 miles to get to the end of a very nice bike trail. Cycle 25 miles to work on a paved path alongside a river with lots of wildlife to see and enjoy. Have some great facilities at work when I get to the office. Have a bike locker right outside the back door of the building and a full locker room with showers in the basement.
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Old 07-31-10, 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by 1242Vintage
I was just thinking the same thing. I live 35 miles from work. I drive 10 miles to get to the end of a very nice bike trail. Cycle 25 miles to work on a paved path alongside a river with lots of wildlife to see and enjoy. Have some great facilities at work when I get to the office. Have a bike locker right outside the back door of the building and a full locker room with showers in the basement.
Holy cow... that's aweseome!
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Old 07-31-10, 08:04 PM
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NorCal rocks the house for cycling. I do 17 miles on lovely roads with a huge bike lane that's actually used enough to be safe, and great weather year-round for cycling.

Dang the real estate is expensive here, but once you're in, it's totally amazing.
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Old 08-01-10, 08:58 AM
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I'm definitely jealous of some of the idyllic routes I read about on here. I don't mind the traffic part of my commute much, and I've got a narrow bike lane 2/3 of the way. I just wish I had better scenery. About 1/3 of my commute is through a really bad neighborhood...burned out buildings, drug dealers, projects, glass on the road, etc. It's ugly and nowhere I would linger to fix a flat. Now that I'm commuting on a full size (non folding) bike most days, my plan is to throw it on the bus rack if I get a flat.
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Old 08-01-10, 10:21 AM
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"Must be nice..." is all I can say.
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Old 08-01-10, 12:40 PM
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Let's see, 18km each way, first and last km on roads, the morning start is downhill, so can pretty much stay with the traffic speed, 95% of drivers are patient, have learned how to avoid the dingbats. Rest of journey is fairly empty MUP, pretty open, so good sight lines and reasonable speeds can be maintained. ( Legs willing ) Parking is easy, leave it in the warehouse, no showers, campaigned hard for one at the new place we're moving into this month. No joy.

Downsides, each way ends in a ( to me ) significant hill, mosquitoes by the river, snow in Winter. Could be better, good enough though.
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Old 08-01-10, 12:52 PM
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I live 12 miles from work here in So Cal, but the part nearest my house is extreme hills, then there's busy city streets with no bike lanes and crazy commuters who think nothing of sideswiping cyclists. No lockers or shower facilities at my work, either. So commuting to work is a little impractical, but I'm trying to figure out how I could do it at least twice a week.
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Old 08-01-10, 01:30 PM
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My commute is barely worth it. 0.9miles each way.
The only reason I cycle is that I'm on my feet all night and find the ride to and from work loosens my legs up beautifully saving them from cramping or being sore.
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Old 08-01-10, 01:35 PM
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nothing like commuting on 8 lane roads
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Old 08-01-10, 02:13 PM
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All the crazies will keep you alert. Also, its not as bad as it may seem. Some members tend to post about the bad experiences because they are rare and memorable. Hundreds of cars pass me everyday without incident. Though I must admit I am jealous of some of the pictures or videos posted of others iconic scenery.
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Old 08-01-10, 02:15 PM
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Fear not everyone, the OP just cursed himself.
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Old 08-01-10, 02:36 PM
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10 miles, 3 traffic lights, 6 miles beside a lake, no bike trails, no need for them. Mostly on 55mph highways with wide shoulders. I have had a few minor incidents, but very few.
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Old 08-01-10, 04:06 PM
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Can you describe what exactly a "bike locker" is?
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Old 08-01-10, 08:00 PM
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I have one of the most idyllic commutes, 10 miles and almost no cars to speak of. Well, maybe double sized buses, taxis, delivery trucks and the NYC Subway. OH, and garbage trucks in 100 degree heat. They smell good. But really, I'm not in traffic most of my commute, just the last half mile or so. There are bike lanes everywhere in Manhattan and Brooklyn now and you can hop on those to get close to where you need to be. It isn't perfect but it's pretty good.
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Old 08-01-10, 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by jbman100
That I don't have some of the commutes that some of you folks do. 75 yards from my car to the bike path after crossing 2 streets, then 13.2 miles of bike path and another .5 miles of quiet roadway to get to work and the same on the way home. I'm lucky enough not to have to deal with all the crazies that you guys do.
You just get used to the craziness after awhile:
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Old 08-01-10, 09:03 PM
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A bike locker is a steel box with a secure locking door. Like this https://www.flickr.com/photos/guidewired/2921340416/

I pay rent on mine, a whole $5/mo.

I also keep a few basic tools in the locker, spare tube, and a floor pump.
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Old 08-01-10, 09:11 PM
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A bike locker is a steel box with a secure locking door. Like this https://www.flickr.com/photos/guidewired/2921340416/

I pay rent on mine, a whole $5/mo.

I also keep a few basic tools in the locker, spare tube, and a floor pump.
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Old 08-02-10, 10:10 AM
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20 miles. 6 on a MUP, then the rest on country roads. It makes a great ride.
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Old 08-02-10, 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by 1nterceptor
You just get used to the craziness after awhile
Plenty of "AirZound Moments in that video" 1st and 2nd Aves seem like oasis of peace and tranquility compared to your ride
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Old 08-02-10, 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by jbman100
That I don't have some of the commutes that some of you folks do. 75 yards from my car to the bike path after crossing 2 streets, then 13.2 miles of bike path and another .5 miles of quiet roadway to get to work and the same on the way home. I'm lucky enough not to have to deal with all the crazies that you guys do.
Man, am I jealous!

A.
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Old 08-02-10, 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by AdamDZ
Plenty of "AirZound Moments in that video" 1st and 2nd Aves seem like oasis of peace and tranquility compared to your ride
Well, you know how it is . DOT is building bike lanes on 1st and 2nd right?
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Old 08-02-10, 08:24 PM
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They were going in on 1st the last time I rode in, about 2 weeks ago. I've been on vacation.
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Old 08-03-10, 04:28 AM
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Yes, buffered bike lanes. There is already one on 2nd Ave between 14th St and Delancey Street. Unfortunately, they attract pedestrians and slow cyclists down significantly. There were already crashes as cyclists run into peds who suddenly stepped into the bike lane or were waiting off-curb for a light. Basically, it's become a sidewalk extension. Plus, cars still park in these lanes and now it's so much harder to go around them. Although, they get ticketed fast by Traffic cops.
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