I did it! I rode to work!

[Python]

Thakyou Xrayted She is a lovely bike I'm hoping to get my new bike next month (Specialized Dolce Elite) but will be keeping my Raleigh and still using her regularly

[RoseC]

I achieved the next step - I talked to the building management woman today and got a locker! Woo-hoo! Silly how excited I am about that...

I also drove an alternate route home yesterday. It would be more roads / less bike path, but about a mile shorter, I think. I think I may ride to work again on that road this weekend.

I saw a cyclist along the way that did something it would never occur to me to do - there was a lefthand turn lane, and she rode between the lanes to get right up next to the very first car in line and turned left when they did. It worked nicely, but I'm not sure I'd have the guts to do that!

So...I'm still taking my time, but getting closer. It's not a short distance, so a bit of extra training before I really commit is probably good for me.

[pyxichick]

Rose,

Congratulations. You'll love it.

I just started commuting as well, and my route is also 14 miles each way. I found that since I have to leave at 6:30 in order to get to my desk by 8, the traffic is much lighter than I had expected. On the way home, it's a bit busier, but I try to make it a relaxing, enjoyable ride, and if necessary, take a longer way home to avoid the cars.

Have fun!

Kate

[bikerHen]

Don't sweat the left turns. If you have to go with the crosswalk option, just do it. I'm on a four lane highway for the first intersection of my commute where I have to turn left. It's also the first stoplight coming into town. Can you say speeding cars and semi-trucks! It would be a death sentence if I tried to take the left turn lane. So I just cross, in the crosswalk, with the light, and hope I don't get hit by the right turning cars. I've been crossing this intersection this way for three years. I figure better safe than dead! bikerHen