Impossible to Ride to Work????

[kajero]

I want to ride my bike to work so badly-- at least once this year -- just so I can say I DID IT! It's only 16 miles (well on the roads) so I know I can do the distance. We have a shower at work, too.

It just doesn't look like it is possible though. I have to ride on several busy streets for several miles which are not bike friendly. Then there are two freeways to get across and the only way to do that is to go about 5 miles out of the way. The cross streets are super busy as well. Then it's about 5 miles of really hilly and curvy roads.

So, does anyone have any suggestions how I could maybe try to ride to work at least once?

[Blueberry]

Can you park somewhere and ride part way? To avoid the worst of the roads? Have you talked to any other commuters about routes (are there any others?)? Sometimes there are back ways. Any bike clubs that might have good resources? Do you see other cyclists on the roads you would have to ride?

[Eden]

Try it on a day that you actually have off....then there is no pressure to have to be on time, you can simply try out the route, see how long it takes and scope out the possibilities.

[Tri Girl]

Great suggestions above.
I would also say- can you google map a bicycle route? Click on the bicycle and it will take you the best way via bike (although sometimes they goof and put you on terribly busy roads anyway).

For a couple years I worked 27 miles away from home. I rode my bike only 3 times in two years. It was not only really far, but I had to ride in the dark through some sketchy sections of town and had to ride on some crazy busy roads. If you can do a park/ride option that might be best.

[shootingstar]

Right now is good weather to try cycling a few times to work (and practice beforehand).

You'll feel so good afterwards. And yes, that 5 mile detour will be worth it!

[kajero]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. Unfortunately, I tried the trail map look up thing. That doesn't seem to be an option. I am still looking for a way, though. I just hate the idea of riding on streets on during rush hour. I am not the best rider . . . yet.

[goldfinch]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. Unfortunately, I tried the trail map look up thing. That doesn't seem to be an option. I am still looking for a way, though. I just hate the idea of riding on streets on during rush hour. I am not the best rider . . . yet.

Many years ago before I became a fat sloth I rode my bike to school in St. Paul from where I lived in South Minneapolis. Back then the traffic wasn't as bad but I did get run off the road intentionally once by a truck. I came close to getting "doored" a few times too. In restropect it was a dangerous ride but I loved it. I would be hesitant to commute there now, unless I could plot a route of bike paths and side streets.

A few years ago my cousin lived by Lake Calhoun and she commuted by bike to the Main U. She managed to figure out a route that worked, mostly via bike paths. The worst was over by the university, where everyone behaves unpredictably.