cooperwx

For those in the area, I'm wondering if the Raleigh greenway system is well-designed for bike commuting. I know of some cities where they are great for getting somewhere, and others where they're mostly designed for pedestrians and bird watchers.

I'm particularly interested in the North Hills/Crabtree Creek areas. Thanks to anybody with info...

norskagent

If you happen to live and work near crabtree creek...it's great. If you live and work "inside the beltline" (440), commuting isn't that bad, what with many side streets and residential roads. But outside the beltline is another matter altogether...though it would still depend on where you live/work, it may be do-able or insane.

cooperwx

Thanks, norsk. I have also found that Raleigh has designated bike routes for getting around town, too - huge .jpg map

I could be moving there for work, and already scouting out commuting-friendly areas of the city.

Lurch

Some of the designated bike routes are more than a little out of date. This area is growing rapidly as is the traffic and parts of the designated bike routes have been overtaken by sprawl. On the other hand, there are plenty of lightly travelled residential streets especially in older areas that will allow you to bypass rush hour traffic if you don't mind going out of your way a bit. The greenway trails usually follow creeks and getting out of the creek valleys requires a stiff climb in most places. Look for a contour map of the area to see how deep some of the creek valleys are. I mention this because some riders don't like even moderate hills. If you like to climb, you will love ascending from the Crabtree Creek Greenway. While many bike routes are losing their appeal, the greenway system is constantly being expanded into a regional system. It is still less about getting somewhere than communing with nature, but it keeps getting better. It is possible to choose your work and housing areas to make bike commuting feasible, but your options will be somewhat limited.

cooperwx

Thanks for posting, Lurch. Sad that the city isn't maintaining the bike network to go along with the greenways. But it is cool to see the dedication and resources the city is putting into developing a greenway system that actually helps you go get places. Climbing of of the creek valleys would remind me a bit of Asheville, I'm sure.

Still no word on the possible move. Should it happen, I know that my housing location will be determined by ease of bike commute. The employer will be relocating from their location along the Beltline to downtown Raleigh in about a year. Thanks for the help/advice...