Originally Posted by
smurray
I'm going to start commuting to fall on my SS bike, and have a question about the best way for me to ride. I teach at a school that's a fairly short distance away, maybe 2 miles. To get there however I have to ride on two very busy roads (especially in the mornings). The roads have two lanes going each direction plus a turn lane in the middle. The speed limit is 40mph, though I'd say the good majority of people go at least 50. There's no shoulder. Should I still attempt to ride in the street? I know it's not illegal here, as the law says if the speed limit is 40 or higher you can ride on the sidewalk. Just wanted some outside input before I made my decision.
First of all, LIGHTS, front and rear. Daytime be blinky.. IMO, lights are very important on busy roads. Lights make it possible that you are seen. On the two lanes going in one direction, if it were me, I would take the full curb lane. Stay in the middle of that lane, so nobody does one of those 1 foot or less passes at 50+mph....
Don't of if this is proper or not, but sometimes on dual double lane roads, with a center turn lane, I use that lane when possible. Again, let me stress the HIGH IMPORTANCE of good lights. You can feel the speed of something passing you at 40mph+, but most likely, they will be doing 50mph+ or even 60. That kind of speed is no joke. So, if somebody claims don't run bright lights, the alternative is, after the contact, "oh I didn't see you"...
Luck to you..,