I would like to start commuting again but need a sounding board. Kids are 10 and 14 now, able to peacefully hang out on their own for reasonable periods of time. DH still works a 2nd, I work "day" which gets me home by 4 - 4:30. We keep the schedule as it allows him to be there summers, days off school. He leaves 2:30pm.

My question is what other commuting Moms do. Leaving kids by themselves for short periods is no prob. But with a car I can get to them "quickly" should something happen. With a bike not so quickly. I don't want to live in fear. If something "major" went wrong they would know to call 911. We live in a pretty tight neighborhood, we know everyone and kids can reach out to them if necessary (policeman on one side, detective across, good people in other spots).

Am I over thinking this? My commute is only 7 miles one way, part of which is a path beside Route 95, the rest weaving through typical hilly New England coastal neighborhoods. I'd allow 45 mins for the commute to start, car is 20-25 on the way home.

Your opinions welcome!

Linda