New commute

[Barb]

I am buying a new house and my job is moving to a new building. The commute is 10.3 miles, very straight and flat, but on a REALLY busy road. Most people ride on sidewalks in that area. It is not bike friendly at all and there are too many factories etc in the way to find an alternate route :( . With all the traffic lights, I am estimating an hour commute. Do you commuters take that long to get to work? I think I would have to leave at 6:30 just so I have time to change my clothes and get situated. Hmmm maybe another job, closer to the house for commuting sake!!!! Forget it. In Michigan, I am lucky to have a job at all.

[DeniseGoldberg]

With all the traffic lights, I am estimating an hour commute. Do you commuters take that long to get to work?

Barb -
My commute usually takes 70 to 75 minutes in the morning. Heading home after work often takes longer because I have a tendency to tack on some extra miles.

(I'm one of those summer-only commuters though; I like to make sure I have enough daylight on both ends of the day.)

--- Denise

[sydney_b]

This morning, it took nearly an hour because of stop lights and all that. I usually don't choose a morning route that will extend it longer tho -- at least not while it's cold. And, when it's really cold for riding, like under 30 degrees F., I usually don't exceed 30-45 minutes for commuting.

[DebW]

My commute is 13 miles and it takes me 50-55 minutes. I don't commute in winter unless the temp is above 30 and the roads are perfectly dry. Luckily no one cares what time I arrive or leave.

[CorsairMac]

My commute is 6 miles 1 way. Going to work takes me 20 minutes, going home takes me anywhere from 30-45 depending on headwind or tailwind! I commute all winter but I also live in the desert SW. (Surly??....the highs this week.....in the upper 60s to 70 ma'am!)

I go to work on a very busy street with a bike lane. I've ridden on very busy streets without bike lanes but I live in a (for the most part) bike-friendly state. Is there another route you can use to get you to work?....maybe secondary streets that parallel the busy one?

I didn't commute today (63 right now) and I'm feeling very grumpy and growly - I miss my commute! :cool:

[nuthatch]

When it gets scary, it stops being fun - that's when I pack it in. It's scary when it's too busy or too dark. I don't think the hour travel time is as important as how many years it will take off your life due to the stress! :eek: