Originally Posted by
reynolds101
...The aerodynamic style of a road bike is something that grabbed my attention seeing that I could go fast. ...
Now that I've done some thinking, I just may start riding to school on certain occasions.
If I were to do this though I would need a bike that is easy and quick to maneuver over sidewalks, bumps and other obstacles (such as a mountain bike), but still being able to maintain some speed to get to school/work quickly. All this for under $300, new or used.... and something that I can ride around the bike path with.
First, understand that aerodynamics don't really enter into the picture until you start trying to go, say, 15mph or more or into a strong wind. Strong riders can go plenty fast, especially for short distances, on an upright bike.
Riding to school - good idea! It's cheap, convenient, and good for you and the environment. However if you need to leave the bike unattended be concerned about theft.
Finally, a commuter or hybrid bike will handle bumps better than a typical road bike largely because of the fatter tires. I would imagine you can find something good used for much less than $300, though location may be a factor. However riding over sidewalks is not good. People, especially kids, do it, but a bike does not belong on a sidewalk in most places. Riding over curbs, either up or down, will put a lot of stress on the wheels anyway. Just about any bike will do for a designated bike path, usually referred to here as MUP, Multiple Use Path, because despite a name that says "bikeway" many people walk or rollerblade on them.