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.
I'd ride in the street if there are any intersecting roads or drive ways.
You're _much_ more likely to be hit riding across a drive way or side-street than you are from behind on the road, especially if you're traveling the opposite direction from car traffic.
Car drivers are generally oblivious to bicycle-speed traffic on side-walks (or bike paths running alongside the main road) and bikes travelling in the opposite direction from traffic are effectively invisible.