Safely Commuting through Unsafe Environments?
 

Does anyone regularly commute through a "less-than-desirable" neighborhood? I recently got a new job that is easily within bike commuting range, however the only way to get there is by cycling through some scary neighborhoods and at late hours too. I have lights and everything to keep me safe from traffic. I'm just wondering if there is anything I can do to avoid conflicts with "less-than-reputable" characters.

I commute through a couple less-than-desirable neighborhoods. Other than being a little more alert, I don't worry about it. The only reason anyone would have to give me trouble would be to mug me. But on a bike you're moving pretty quickly. An unsavory would have to see you, decide you're worth mugging, and attack you in a pretty short amount of time. It's more likely they'll find an easier target. Still, I give unsavories some extra room in the unlikely event that I need to maneuver quickly. I treat them similar to how I treat someone making a left turn and talking on their cell phone.

I work in a "less-than-desirable" neighborhood. Haven't missed a day commuting since July 2006.

I've never had an issue. The thing to keep in mind is that the players are all interested only in other players. An old guy in hi-viz on a road bike with lights and panniers in the street is pretty much off their radar, except possibly as a curiosity, as in WTF? At corners where business is conducted, I make it pretty clear through my actions that I'm minding my own business, and in return am usually ignored.

Everyone else is the same as folks elsewhere. Over the years I've gotten to know a lot of the people along my commute--it helps that their address comes up on the computer at work--and I make an effort to be neighborly as I ride by. There's one group of young boys in particular that I'll take with me if I ever take up racing. As I round the corner shouts of "Hey library guy!" precede them all running out in the street as I go by. When I need a cheering section, they're the ones I'll ask.

I'll wave or nod to folks I see regularly on their porch, and always acknowledge other riders, especially can men. Although when asked, every bike I own was "$100, I got it on Craigslist." Interestingly, my Litespeed is pretty much invisible and an old yellow Trek--a bike I actually did get on Craigslist for $100--attracts the most attention.

The big thing is, that the bad neighborhoods are also home to good people. When near good folks, I act like I belong. When near the bad, it's clear I'm just passin' through.

If you look and act like you belong and mind your own business, you'll be fine. In other words, don't dress like a lance wannabe on a fancy racing bike, don't act scared or nervous, and don't be a smart-ass or big-mouth. Just go on about your business like you've always been a part of the neighborhood. ;)

I used to ride through such areas (South Phoenix) often late at night and TSL nailed it. Wave to the good folks, appear to ignore the bad and keep moving.

I actually get yelled at less and have had fewer conflicts during the "less-than-desirable" portion of my commute. That is not to say that I'm not on guard through this area, but I've not had any problems.

The old part of south Fort Worth where I work and ride isn't a very good neighborhood. Plus, I ride a recumbent that gets a lot of attention and draws a lot of comments, but tsl's techniques still work.

I did get a question from a car once about how much a new bike like mine would cost. I thought twice about my answer after it occurred to me that his car wasn't worth that much. I'm thinking I'll change to tsl's standard $100 answer.

I make a point to move through quickly. I've even turned off flashing lights at night just to try to get by undetected.

When it comes to little ones, I like to be freindly with them. They are the ones who will grow up in a few years and be most likely to be trouble, so best to "raise" them right to begin with.

Otherwise, if I have to interact, like if there is a bunch of them taking up the MUP, I always say "Excuse me" and then thank them when the let me through.

So far, no problems.

My commute takes me mostly through unexciting, unremarkable neighborhoods. But my weekend rides tend to have me go through a few pockets of Seattle ( and surrounding towns ) that most locals fear. It's really not a big deal. ( On the other hand, our worst neighborhood is nothing like bad parts of, say, the Bay Area. )

The "commuter uniform" ( bright yellow jacket, more lights than a small village, panniers ) will probably attract you some attention, but people will get used to your presence, and start to ignore you. If anyone asks, it all came from Goodwill for a song. But probably no one will ask. Nod at anyone who looks at you, to acknowledge their presence.

Red lights are optional, by the way. If you get nervous, especially in a spot where drugs are being sold, you don't have to stop. If traffic is an issue, turn right, and make the next left to get back on course. You almost certainly won't ever have to escape or evade anybody ... but, if you're nervous, just keep moving.

I think that's in part because, as you stated, the worst part of Seattle is still nicer than the 'nice' parts of some cities. I'm more worried when I ride out in BFE towns like Winthrop and a few others up in the North Cascade foothills.

Depends on the "unsafe enviroment".

Right now, that would involve me popping some potassium iodide pills before my ride.

*I kid, I'm in Idaho, I'm already exposed to plenty of background radiation.

Why? Speeding cars?

I ask in particular because I love the North Cascades, and haven't done any cycling there, but plan to fix that shortly.

That's pretty much my experience (except for the "old guy" part :) ) on the couple blocks that I have to pass through that tend to have corner boys selling.

Nice to see you in the commuting forum Sayre. Also nice to hear that you found a job.

There really is no one way to do something (especially as a commuter). Like others have mentioned, it's unlikely something will happen. However, on parts of my former commute I would not use any lights, occasionally ride on the sidewalks, not wear hi viz gear, and minded my business. I also knew alternate routes (which is always a good idea).

I think you will notice soon enough what to do or what not to do on certain parts of your commute.

I should have added the most important thing....pay attention (which applies anywhere, of course) without looking like you are paying attention to anyone or anything specifically. If you are aware of what's going on around you, it's much easier to spot and avoid any potential trouble....but you don't want to appear snoopy. Am I saying this in a somewhat understandable manner?

I accidentally rode through skid row in downtown L.A. around midnight once. I pedaled fast and stopped for no lights.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skid_Ro...es,_California
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...s_Skid_Row.jpg

Are you sure it's not this "Skid Row" bhop? Actually it seems like it would be a great commute if everyone broke out into song and dance numbers. And you are in Los Angeles, so its probably more likely to happen.

When I was younger my friends and I would go through very "undesirable" neighborhoods for concerts and parties. The most important thing that my buddies told me is to act like you belong there, get where you are going, and do not make eye contact.

Excellent post... Frankly I worry more in overly affluent areas where some young dude might take a dislike to me take up space "meant" for his precious BMW.

Peripheral vision is your friend?

ditto on being discrete and not draw too much attention. i will occasionally have to travel through Vancouver DTES, along the hastings corridor in the evenings, and many of the zombies will start to roam. surprising there are also sometimes older asian folks walking amongst them, and they will walk about without any incident.

my main thoughts - try not to have any break down along that pathway - even if i get a flat - try to get out of that area before attending to it.

The one time I've ever done Critical Mass, the whole group went through LA's skid row. The skid row residents were by far the friendliest bystanders of the night. They excitedly lined the streets, jumping up and down, cheering and waving at us.

I concur. Winthrop doesn't strike me as being scary in any way - it's a huge tourist draw (I am found there at least one time per year) and lots of cyclists and motorcyclists visit it. I've never been treated anything but nice there. Maybe it's the tourists driving the unfamiliar roads that are the issue? I do believe however, that some of the other smaller farming towns may not be so "accomodating" to cyclists...but not Winthrop.

My commute is 15 mi one way. Depending on the road I take 7 to 10 mi is through the inner city.

Being inconspicuous is not an option - wrong color, wrong bike, wrong gender, wrong age. To reference tsl - WTF factor is off the charts.
I stick to arterials and do not dare to venture even a block off the main road, nor to get stuck after dark. Also invested in puncture-resistant tires - budget be damned.
So I pedal real fast, stay sharp, mind my own bidness, and look like I can afford best attorney in town.

However, local culture seems to appreciate an ample derriere in Lycra, so the worst I had so far is - how predictable - is "nice azz".

SF