Originally posted by cycletourist
Hey Rob,
have you explored alternatives routes to work? The best/fastest route in a car is not always the best/fastest route for bicycling, especially during rush hour.
Another route may be slightly faster. And even if it isn't you can escape the fumes.
That's always a possibility, but I haven't as yet explored it. Next ride I'll take spins down a few of the side streets that seem promising. Of course I'd have to adapt to a different set of indigenous perils: children, dogs, drivers backing out of driveways between vehicles parked at the curb, etc. The route we drive is pretty direct, but even if the excursions don't lead to a discovery of a better one it's a great way to learn the neighborhood.
-Rob