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A little nervous about commuting

Old 05-29-01, 12:28 PM
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A little nervous about commuting

Well for about the past two years I have been flirting with commuting to work. It would be about 15-17 miles one way which is no big deal. The problem is the route I would have to take. Many busy streets, and some shady neighborhoods. the morning would not be to bad because I would be leaving early enough to avoid traffic and people. The afternoon commute is a whole different story. The other problem be it some what minor is that where I work there are no showers. I would really love to commute but have to admit that I am a little afraid and nervous. Any suggestion by anyone in similar situations? Thanks in advance!

Matt
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Old 05-29-01, 12:41 PM
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Matt,

I would suggest you start out with a shorter route, supplementing
the remainder of the trip with public transport or your own vehicle.
Then as you learn more about it and become more confident, you can gradually increase your distance until you are happy with it.

I commute 30 miles round trip by bicycle, though not everyday. I started on a route of about 5 miles round trip.
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Old 05-29-01, 12:59 PM
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Matt,

Listen to Pete, he knows what he talks about. Fortunately here in Iowa, I do not have to worry about bad neighborhoods or even long commutes (I could bike the circumference of Iowa City in less than 20 miles). However, I have lived in larger cities where I would be apprehensive about biking in certain areas. From what JonR says, he could probably give you some good advice on big city riding. My biggest worry here is watching out for the roving bands of factory farm escaping hogs.

I do commend you for considering commuting to work. I would consider a 15-20 mile commute a long ways, but if that is what I had in front of me, I would do it with a smile.
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Old 05-29-01, 02:09 PM
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Sounds like you have gotten some good advice, ridealot. As I also some from a no-bad-neighborhood-very-light-traffic part of the country, others will have to help you there.
However, as to the lack of showers, I have the same situation. One day a week I drive to work, and haul in a weeks worth of clean clothes so I don't have to pack all that stuff on my bike. I also keep towels and a washcloth in the mens restroom, so I can do a decent job of cleaning up using the sink when I change from my biking clothes to my business duds. That is what I do, I am sure you will figure something out as well!
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Old 05-29-01, 02:52 PM
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I say, "Dive in and swim." The distance and persperation will only invigorate your day. The dicey neighborhood, though bothers me. Luckily, I don't have to ride through the housing projects on my commute. I would suggest a low-key look - less interesting to the bad guys.
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Old 05-29-01, 03:57 PM
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Originally posted by Steele-Bike
From what JonR says, he could probably give you some good advice on big city riding. My biggest worry here is watching out for the roving bands of factory farm escaping hogs.
Hmm--"Roving bands of factory farm escaping hogs." I think we have those in Kansas City--they drive pickup trucks, with their ballcaps on backwards.

Yes, I can advise on big-city riding.

I looked up Cincinnati in the good old Encarta Encyclopedia and found out that it not only has a gorgeous skyline (big color picture), but a population almost identical to Kansas City's, both in proper and in greater metropolitan area. And since I don't think Cincinnati is the third-most-dangerous, or second, or first, city, while KC ranks fourth, I am churning my mental gears into deducing that you will have fewer worries than I have.

So: unless you go through some really crummy areas after dark (not just twilight), I wouldn't worry a bit. And if you have to do that, just find a different route. Even if it's longer--you could still just commute maybe every other day. Or you might even like the longer route every day--I know nothing about your conditioning.

I don't want to sound un-American (though I often feel that way, frankly), but I think worries about hygiene on commutes are way exaggerated. Some Wash-'n-Dry towels or a washcloth and soap at your workplace ought to be more than sufficient, even after a longish commute such as yours. How conditioned we allow ourselves to be by TV advertising! People don't, in real life, get smelly nearly so easily as the soap corporations would have us believe.

Traffic? I would just about bet you money that after two weeks you will think nothing of it. You will also find yourself possessing a degree of alertness you never knew existed. This skill develops fast--it's a matter of survival! Remember that you only deal with one or two cars at a time, usually. At a four-way stop, maybe with three. Is that a big deal? Nah.

Try not to get caught between lanes of moving traffic--this can happen when you courteously move to the left of the right-hand lane so the idiot behind you can make that right turn on red, and instead he plows right on through and you're trapped. This is one of the less pleasant experiences in life, at rush hour. If in doubt, just reserve the whole lane to yourself by getting in the middle of it. I have NEVER yet had anybody complain.

If you have other reservations or questions, just post them here, and you'll get a variety of answers!

Keep us posted!
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Old 05-29-01, 06:49 PM
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Well when i lived in Philly i would sometimes end up in less than desirable areas. I just made me ride quicker. Seriously, there is a difference between places that are just run down and in poverty and places where you are in danger from riding through.

I agree with JonR that the whole hygiene thing is exagerated. If you start off your ride clean, your not going to end up reeking just from a little sweat. Use the last 5 minutes or so of your ride as a cool-down period and the breeze created by riding will help dry you off.

All I can say is try it. Obviously, you aren't intimidated by the distance. So I wouldn't let the other things stop you.
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Old 05-29-01, 07:26 PM
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I found riding through "dangerous" parts of town to be fairly safe. By the time the bad guys have seen you, you have gone, and a bike doesnt mark you out as a high value target. The thing to watch for is getting punctures in those neighbourhoods.
Do everything you can to toughen your tyres. Use a Kevlar slick tyre of sufficient width. Add Mr Tuffy tape if the streets are in bad condition. Try and vary your route a bit, so you dont pass the same corner at the same time every day. Carry a mobile phone, or make a note of the location of any public phone boxes you might need, and carry the number of a taxi company just in case.

Try the route on a Sunday and see how it feels.
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Old 05-29-01, 07:54 PM
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Michael W's advice to "add Mr Tuffy tape if the streets are in bad condition" is something I should have thought of. I've used Mr. Tuffy on both my bikes since I got them, and from the looks of the tape, it's saved me from many a puncture. Thanks, Michael.

And I also second carrying a cell phone if possible. Pay phones are getting scarce in the US (and in the UK too, from what I gather). The peace of mind is worth the extra few ounces of weight.

thbirks's "there is a difference between places that are just run down and in poverty and places where you are in danger from riding through" is another excellent observation. If you've lived in Cincinnati for long, you're probably already a good judge of those areas.

You know, I think Oscar's "Dive in and swim" may be the best advice of all. (Just remember, you get a higher score the less you splash!)
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Old 05-30-01, 03:26 AM
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Originally posted by Ba-Dg-Er


Pay phone rates just went up again here...
Here they're still 35 cents. But wait! That means a lot of people put two quarters in, right? And the phones have a little sign that says "No change provided." How convenient for the phone companie$!
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Old 05-30-01, 05:20 AM
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First of all thanks all for the replys. I really appreciate it!

Pete, the bus system here has been talking for the last couple of months about getting bike racks for the busses (sp?) if that happens I will definetly look into that.

JonR, you are right about the skyline here, it is one of the best sites to see after coming home from vacation it will get better as soon as the new baseball stadium gets done. You are right crime is not to bad around here but we just had some riots and things are a little tense right now. My commute would require me to go through some of those neighborhoods or down right near to them. As I said in my post the showers are not that big of a deal a washcloth and some wipes will do the job.

MichaelW, thanks for the tire suggestions I honestly never thought of that! That could come in handy real fast. PLus a little peace of mind.

I guess some early Sunday I will have to give some routes a try and see what works best. The ride would be nice, there are plenty of hills and the milage would add up quickly.

Thanks everyone I will keep you posted!
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Old 05-30-01, 06:25 AM
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Hi ridealot,
I've lived in Cincy for 20 years now. I used to commute from Clifton to a job on the KY riverfront inbound at 2-3pm and home at 2 am while in college. Sometimes Vine street was dicey but I'm still here. All the advice so far is great. What the other guys don't know is that almost all the roads out of downtown are uphill and in not quite nice neighborhoods. I found that most of the morons are on foot and a)didn't hear me comeing or b)didn't care I was there. I rode a uglified bike with a t-shirt and shorts to not attract attention. Also, I found Central Parkway to be better lit and less populated by scary people at dusk. It doesn't hurt that the cop cars are parked there most of the time.

Are you doing the Morning Glory ride this year? It's probably my favorite short ride around.
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Old 05-30-01, 06:33 AM
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Hi bikerjoe, Yes there are some pretty good hills leaving and going to downtown. My commute would be from Wyoming to Mt Adams I have been thinking of Reading rd. or Paddock rd. to Victory Pkwy. through Eden Park. But will be going through Bond Hill and Avondale. Probaly not that bad but still.... traffic on Reading and Paddock in the after noon is pretty busy. I need to stop finding excuses and just go do it.

Yes I am doing the Morning Glory Ride, I love that ride!
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Old 05-30-01, 09:17 AM
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Originally posted by MichaelW
Try the route on a Sunday and see how it feels.
I found this to be very helpful. I made several trips, trying different routes on the weekends. What you are looking for is the most direct route that has sidestreets without all the heavy traffic. Streets with wide lanes and multiple lanes, that aren't heavy traffic routes. If possible, try to find some scenic areas on the way to make the trip interesting. Soon you will settle in on a path, or even several paths, that work for you.
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Old 05-30-01, 12:35 PM
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This is my first post so I'm trying to make a grand entrance.

I'm glad to see all the advice, and wish that I had gotten some of it before I tried to commute the first time: Some back ground:

I like to ride my bike, however, driving was so utterly conveint. As running was killing my knees a little and I wanted to do more than swim, biking to work seemed ok. I drove my bike route twice.. and had done a lot of weekend riding. My first trip out, a man jumped out of the bushes on a longish up hill stretch.. Luckily, I turned away fast enough and was able to aim back down hill so that I could pick up speed to get away. The next few miles were a little hard. Stuff that didn't occur to me - road conditions (rocks from construction, cracks in the street) were a hazard at least, and down right frightening. It never occured to me that I didn't have a light to see in the dark with. I didn't give up, but after several flats and some more money for a light etc.. And not taking into account the tired factor etc.. I gave up..

Since I've got a monsterous Jeep with a thirst for gas (14 mpg) on a longish comute (35 miles round trip), I started to research it. I found a free ferry that elminates about 10 miles for me (I don't have to ride up silver strand higway).. picked a better (although steeper route) discovered the wonders of pepper spray, and also figured out ways to identify the "clean" problem. One thing I"ve done is kept a wash cloth here at work and then simply done a fash wash when I get to work. One day a week I haul extra socks, underwear, etc, and work has graciously given me a locker that I can store my uniforms in so I can come in bike clothes, making the commute that much easier.

I'm on my second week now, and aside from some soarness, I'm doing much better ego and energy wise. Now, if I could just solve my problem getting flats all the time.. Being prepared ahead of time.. makes a big difference. I road more building up to this so that the shock of riding 30 miles round trip would not make me loose sight.

My cost savings (not including maintenance and tires) by rideing is just at 5 dollars a day. If I ride 4 days a week (wednesday being supply day and rest day), it adds to 20 a week, and 80 a month.. Probalby more, as I don't have the temptation to run a silly errand around work.. I used to spend about 30 a week on gas, it would be more with new gas prices.
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Old 05-30-01, 01:56 PM
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Sometimes it helps, riding through a high-crime or otherwise scary neighborhood, to remember that most of the people that live there feel trapped and would as soon be out of it as you, the cyclist. So a friendly wave now and then (using good judgment, of course!) might be a morale-builder all around.

I generally find people more accepting of this cyclist, in the bad neighborhoods, than in the fancy ones. Anything without at least four wheels, 300 hp and bulletproof glass is viewed with suspicion by the people that were scared to stay in the city in the first place, and fled (with their servants) to the outskirts.
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Old 05-30-01, 01:58 PM
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Originally posted by Ba-Dg-Er


I am pretty sure they are .50 cents now... so it doesn't matter.
Obviously a mistake by the phone company. Look for it to go to 65 cents soon....
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Old 05-30-01, 02:09 PM
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Originally posted by William Karsten
This is my first post so I'm trying to make a grand entrance.

[...]
My cost savings (not including maintenance and tires) by rideing is just at 5 dollars a day. If I ride 4 days a week (wednesday being supply day and rest day), it adds to 20 a week, and 80 a month.. Probalby more[...]
What a great post. I don't know if I would have tried again, after that first ride. You sound like a true commuter! (Sorry, there's that label again, but I like it.)

I don't doubt that you'll end up saving more than the $80 a month. Anyway, you'll be getting benefits that money alone can't buy.

For the flats: have you put Mr. Tuffy tape inside your tires? It adds a little weight, but if you look at the tapes after a couple of hundred miles, you'll see that they've saved you a bunch of flats. The only things that give me flats with those tapes, are big jagged pieces of glass, big sharp nails from construction, and (once) some kind of devilish sharp tack that had a flat head the size of a nickel, that looked designed for the purpose. In short, things I could usually see and avoid.

What do you do for light now? Do you often have to ride at night?

Reading your post brought back memories and gave me a boost: I think I'll have to jump on (well, straddle is more like it) one of my bikes shortly and ride out into that drizzle!
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Old 05-30-01, 02:11 PM
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In my pre-helmet days I used to wear a Deerstalker hat when cycling. Groups of youths hanging about on street corners would shout out stuff like "whats up Sherlock", which is preferable to the usual treatment.

If you are saving a serious amount of money by cycling, it pays to invest some of that in decent gear. That doesnt mean top of the range "steal me quick" toys, but tough serviceable , good enough components on a nice frame. You need the best tyres you can get, and if you are struggling up hills, then simply customise your gearing. Everyday i see people who could afford a nice bike, struggling on cheap heavy badly geared machines, just making life difficult for themselves.
My own commuting machine was built up from second hand parts for less than £100, but it is perfectly suited to the task.
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Old 05-30-01, 02:28 PM
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Originally posted by JonR

I don't doubt that you'll end up saving more than the $80 a month. Anyway, you'll be getting benefits that money alone can't buy.

For the flats: have you put Mr. Tuffy tape inside your tires?

What do you do for light now? Do you often have to ride at night?

Reading your post brought back memories and gave me a boost: I think I'll have to jump on (well, straddle is more like it) one of my bikes shortly and ride out into that drizzle!
I bet you are right I save a lot more. My Jeep is a high maintence thing. I love it, but at 14 mpg.. or worse.. Tires, oil changes, fluid changes.. general wear etc et al...

One of the reasons I like to ride the bike is I sit all day at work. When I'm out in the desert in the jeep, I'm still sitting on my can. Don't get me wrong, I love bieng in the jeep, but the heart gets not that much exercise.. And, there is a certain joy and beauty to riding and seeing the city at a slower pace. The guy with the chickens and roosters that crow at 5 am (nieghbors must love that). The mentally handicapped boy who waves at me every day on the way home (he's a mile stone for me, and his happiness at just saying hi to me and getting a hello back makes the trip kind of cool).. Things like that... The guys at the food vans waving at me.. it's all a great taste of the world I wouldn't see in the Jeep on the freeway home. You can't buy that anywhere.

I asked on this forum about tires, but it would seem that your recommendation is another option that I haven't explored. I'll be off to the bike shop tonight to see what is what.

I ride at 430 am so I have to have a light. I bought a a niterider light wich works out pretty well. The battery seems to last about 3 or 4 days with out chargeing.. as I live in California, it's good because the old electric bill can be a wee bit high...

It's a 14 mile commute to the ferry, and 1 mile from ferry to the building where I work.. not bad. I'm glad I'm starting now in cooler weather so that I can climatize as the heat rises..
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