Quote Originally Posted by Offthegrid View Post
I'm *incredibly* nervous -- mainly because I have to make two left turns on fairly busy suburban roads. (I've thought about the possible route 100 times, and this way I'll only be actually *riding* on those busy roads for a couple hundred feet. And it's a less hilly way.)

So give me a gentle push. What inspired you? How has commuting made your life better? Or what mistake did you make in the beginning that you can look back at and laugh now?
I'm nervous each ride, and this is my third year commuting. I'm on (two-lane, heavily travelled but residential) Pa-Route 73 for 150 yds before making a left at a light. I just make sure I don't turn onto the road if I see any traffic coming (there's a light another 200 yds before where I turn on, so I can get a break in traffic).

Even with my short commute -- uphill on the way home! -- I'm in much better shape. I push my limits more to keep up with traffic and be less annoying to drivers. I have a bad knee and the pedalling helps a lot. It helped with my morning sickness/overall pregnancy exhuastion, if I could drag myself onto the bike.

Mistakes are legion: Not waiting my turn in stopped traffic and annoying drivers. I really try not to annoy drivers, except the guy in the black Ford who has to GUN IT when he passes me as we leave the train station parking lot.

Other mistakes: Not extending my commute last year, to get more miles. Forgetting my bike lock key. Not securing my stuff to the rack (get a bike trunk or panniers) and my husband finding my sandal in the street. Letting my pant bottoms flop freely and get caught in my gears (use large rubber bands).

Enjoy your commute!