tomg

do you have public transport through any of these "areas of concern"?
not that that would solve the area issue, but could allow you to commute w/less hassle!
good luck and spin safe!

greywolf

I tend to look on cycle commuting as an Xtreme sport somedays ,there is no way you can relax in the heavy traffic what with all the trucks & half asleep, bad temered dicks late for work , thats why on the way home I take a less used longer way round !

tulip

There's a whole lot more of DC than the Crescent Trail! I live in NE/PG and have no trouble commuting to work in Alexandria. On the roads, because there are no trails that go through NE DC. I prefer roads much of the time because I have options. On a trail, you're kinda stuck on the trail. I will be happy to have the Met Branch Trail as an option, though, eventually.

rando

*Thirds suggestion*

check out a map...see if there are any ways you can take that would make most of the commute more enjoyable. you may end up with a longer commute....

godspiral

Most people when they see news reports of crimes in a neighbourhood, we get apprehensive/paranoid travelling there. Same with being afraid of shark attacks if you don't swim often. I know I will check nooks and crannies for m*thrf*kin snakes next time im on a plane. Exageration of risk because of third hand accounts is very common. Its not making fun.

With that said, I take no comfort in insulting you but, you live near an unacceptable hellhole. I hope you at least vote.

Even if I have no idea of the specific conditions in your areas, I would still be very surprised if 7-8am conditions were dangerous. I expect the gangmember lifestyle pretty universally involves sleeping in.

jimmuter

Although some are just going home to bed at that time. I especially still see ladies of the night out while I'm on my way in to work.

kb0tnv

I agree that you need to find another route or move. Commuting is an obssession for me! If you have a better route you would probably get the "bug" too!

Keep Cycling!

CBBaron

I have the burbs mostly because by design they funnel all traffic onto a few heavily congested roads and eliminate most if not all alternate routes.
The best suggestion is to try to find alternate routes.
The second suggestion is that the commute will get easier with experience. You do learn how to deal with traffic and where the problems will occur. I find my best defense is to ride as a vehicle and agressively take my position in the lane. Trying to run lights or ride against traffic is a dangerous tactic and definately not worth the risk (not to mention illegal).
Luckily I live and work in older neighbors hoods with more of a grid type layout. This means there are a number of routes for most anywhere I need to go. I can pick the lighlty traveled streets for a more relaxing ride or take the major throughfares for faster travel.
Craig

vrkelley

+1 adding to Rando-s suggestion.

When looking a map, things are not always what they seem. Many times the map will show a dead end, but there's actually a side-path that's open to bicycles and peds. Many times, you can look at a satelite picture or pedal down that road a few times until you find the connector. The connector is not always easy to find but is usually like finding gold.

Hope this helps. YMMV

Cosmoline

Think outside the cage! Remember, the world of the car and the world of the bike are two very different things. In most cities it's possible to find routes much closer to a straight line that avoid the snagles of traffic. My route shoots through two old parking lots, around a fence and through many side streets. All the while moving in a straighter line than traffic, which is constricted by design to a few central arteries. Scan your route on google earth, look for side streets to explore. Figure out the fastest way and take it.