Originally Posted by
jppe
While I have not looked at the statistics, it's pretty obvious to me that the people in the area I'm in are in too much of a hurry and way too distracted both in the mornings and evenings for me to feel safe enough to commute. We do not have bike lanes, and I'd need to be on the same roads folks are using in the mornings and afternoons. I guess I could leave a lot earlier-but around here there is a pretty wide band of time that folks are driving to and from work.
Our local roads are becoming more congested and people's patience and willingness to give room is dwindling. The infrastructure is already way to small for our needs. Plus the neighbors kids are now driving.....
Sounds a lot like Atlanta. I'm retired so don't commute any more, but when I was working the traffic never bothered me. I had more problems with the crappy streets (potholes, broken asphalt, etc) and the crap in the streets (nails, broken glass, etc).
When I first started commuting the ride was 14 miles one way. When that job dried up my commute to the new job was close to 9 miles one way.
Usually the commute route will not be the same route you drive. Stay off the main roads as much as possible. Its safer and you'll often make better time.
Take the lane when required, be visible, and be predictable.
Take a
Bike Ed class and it will help a lot.
The folks in the Commuting forum have loads of advice and encouragement.