I did it! I rode to work!

[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