Better to Live East of Work?
01-04-06, 06:31 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 193
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Better to Live East of Work?
Hey fellas.
The other thread about wind reminded of this. I always have felt that living east of your workplace is the most ideal when it comes to bike commuting. It is much safer to ride with the sun at your back both directions than in front of you both directions. That way drivers coming up on you will never be blinded by a sunrise or sunset. The afternoon winds from the west that occur in much of the country are also a benefit, giving you a tailwind on the way home instead of a headwind.
Thoughts?
The other thread about wind reminded of this. I always have felt that living east of your workplace is the most ideal when it comes to bike commuting. It is much safer to ride with the sun at your back both directions than in front of you both directions. That way drivers coming up on you will never be blinded by a sunrise or sunset. The afternoon winds from the west that occur in much of the country are also a benefit, giving you a tailwind on the way home instead of a headwind.
Thoughts?
01-04-06, 06:42 PM
#2
Olé Olé Olé Olé T-C...N-J
Join Date: May 2005
Location: The Dark Forest of Ewing (New Jersey)
Posts: 464
Bikes: 1985 Trek 620, 2005 Cannondale R700
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You never think about it, but it makes sense. However, it's hard to keep going the same direction throughout your commute.
__________________
1985 Trek 620 (picture pending)
2005 Cannondale R700 (picture pending)
Bike & Build
NJ Bike Map
1985 Trek 620 (picture pending)
2005 Cannondale R700 (picture pending)
Bike & Build
NJ Bike Map
01-04-06, 06:44 PM
#3
Enthusiasm on Wheels
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 725
Bikes: 1953 Schwinn Debutante, 1971 Hercules 3-speed, 1973 Schwinn Suburban, 1990 Huffy White River, 1990-something Bianchi Advantage, 1996 Trek 800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
When we moved to our house, that was a thought I has. I have a nice 3.5 mile commute, East to work, West to home, and it is pretty convenient. I'm not blinded, and neither are any motorists who will be approaching me from behind.
__________________
Wheeeee!
Wheeeee!
01-04-06, 06:48 PM
#4
Dominatrikes
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Still in Santa Barbara
Posts: 4,920
Bikes: Catrike Pocket, Lightning Thunderbold recumbent, Trek 3000 MTB.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've always had to travel into the sun and it sucks.
01-04-06, 07:16 PM
#5
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by sbhikes
I've always had to travel into the sun and it sucks.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
01-04-06, 07:19 PM
#6
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 15,762
Bikes: 04' Specialized Hardrock Sport, 03' Giant OCR2 (SOLD!), 04' Litespeed Firenze, 04' Giant OCR Touring, 07' Specialized Langster Comp
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
You're not too bright, are you...
Originally Posted by chipcom
But Diane, the sun pales in comparison to your beauty...and your hi-viz!
01-04-06, 07:39 PM
#7
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by slvoid
You're not too bright, are you...
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
01-04-06, 09:32 PM
#8
Resident Wolverine
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Maryland
Posts: 172
Bikes: 2004 Lemond Tourmalet, 1998 Gary Fisher Gitche Gumee
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I travel north to work and south on the way home...the sun is always at a 90 degree angle to my bike!
01-04-06, 09:39 PM
#9
Ferrous wheel
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 1,388
Bikes: 2004 Gunnar Rock Hound MTB; 1988 Gitane Team Pro road bike; 1986-ish Raleigh USA Grand Prix; mid-'80s Univega Gran Tourismo with Xtracycle Free Radical
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I leave for work in the afternoon with the setting sun to my right. I return home well after nightfall.
01-04-06, 11:04 PM
#11
One Hep Cat
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: N 44.91577 W093.25327
Posts: 748
Bikes: Surly Cross-Check (commuter), Lemond Sarthe (sports car), Schwinn fixed gear conversion (for fun)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
01-05-06, 10:21 AM
#12
DNPAIMFB
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cowtown, AB
Posts: 4,655
Bikes: Titus El Guapo, Misfit diSSent, Cervelo Soloist Carbon, Wabi Lightning, et al.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I love riding into the morning sun in all its fiery nuclear glory. At the times I go to work and come home, the sun never seems to be directly ahead of me. It's always off to the south/north a little bit. I'm sure my luck will change one of these days...
01-05-06, 10:45 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 293
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I live to the East and it works out good. Although I ride into work before the sun is up, my ride home is while the sun is setting, at least until the time changes again. Its not in my eyes nor the drivers, and I like that.
01-05-06, 11:29 AM
#14
member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: vacationland
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
so true.i live west of my work and every afternoon when i leave work the wind is blowing directly into my face.the sun doesnt bother me though
01-05-06, 11:37 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Down on East End Avenue.
Posts: 1,816
Bikes: Salsa Las Cruces, Burley R&R and a boat load of others.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Yes Living east is the best. Road glare for the cagers is better.
01-05-06, 03:35 PM
#16
Sensible shoes.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: St. Paul,MN
Posts: 8,798
Bikes: A few.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The OP's premise is well and good unless you work second shift. Then it goes to hell. Trust me.
