I did try to post this in the regional thread but I'm yet to get a response so I thought this might be a better forum to ask in.

So as the title says, I'm looking for some insight on Richmond, VA. I'm going to be visiting Richmond in a few weeks to check it out for a possible relocation. I know that I'm going to get a first hand look, but I'm wondering what current residents of Richmond think about daily bike commuting year round.

I'm currently in San Diego, CA. and have only commuted here by bicycle. I lived in other cities also and used bikes as my only form as transportation for a number of years now. Obviously some cities are better than others as far as commuting, culture, road conditions, & weather, but I'm interested to hear what it is like to only commute by bike in Richmond, if there is anybody on here that does exactly that.

I wouldn't describe San Diego as the most bike friendly city, except for it being perpetual summer, but it isn't the worst city to ride in and I can get around via bike (although sometimes on very sketchy roads with tons of traffic and no bike lanes). But I'm looking for a city that has more going on. More music, more art, more affordable houses, etc.

If you commute & don't use/own a car in Richmond, what can you tell me about riding there? Is there a lack of bike lanes? Are people not very welcoming to cyclists on the road? Is it hard to get to different points in the city (blocked by highways, only massive roads to get there, etc.)

Thanks in advance to anybody that can give me a better idea about RVA.

it's been a while, but I lived in RVA a few years back. If you're gonna be near/in downtown, it's very bike friendly. Downtown is very chill, and there is some great riding around the area --VERY easy to get out into country roads. Wander into any bike shop and ask about riding to Ashland for coffee. And there are couple quality mtn bike trails right there in downtown across the river. I really enjoyed the year I spent there (except the humidity didn't agree with me, I'm now in Colorado). Some good peeps.

It's not quite 4-season riding --it does snow and it does get crazy storms, but it's fairly doable. 40F and humid is bitter cold. 95F and 80% humidity sucks. You'll get a good dose of that in a few weeks

Be optimistic and aim downtown--