Originally Posted by
bkrownd
My commuting speed is entirely determined by traffic, weather and terrain considerations. If I need to go fast to take the lane or make turns in fast traffic then I go fast, and if I need to go slow to watch for road debris or climb big hills efficiently or be more careful in some way then I go slow. If I hear lightning I go VERY FAST. I'll do whatever seems necessary at the moment, and it changes daily.
Do I commute at a slow relaxed pace, or go for speed? Both.
My jobs have generally been in urban areas, so traffic congestion means that if I bicycle as fast as I can I still struggle to break 10 mph. My current commute is about 2 miles. Ordinarily for a 2 mile ride in 10-20F weather I would not stop and rest every 2 blocks or so, but with timed lights and many intersections traffic is stop and go for the mile near the office.
For a long time I had a 7 mile ride, maybe half on suburban arterials and half on city streets; again motorist congestion slowed even bicycles to 10-12mph in town, and 8-10mph for errands across town after leaving work.
Traffic means going for speed is still relaxed and slow.