My commuting dilemma

[Kaycee]

I can understand your feeling, but if i had to cross 3 lanes of busy rush hour traffic to turn left, I would have stomach cramps every morning. Seems like a no brainer to use the crosswalk. It's for YOU not for THEM.
I use crosswalks sometimes too. I also ride right down the middle of an industrial road when i need to. Let safety dictate.

I have actually had a hard time sleeping on the nights before I ride to work. If I hit this intersection early enough (before the serious traffic starts), I can get across. I think I might just go back to the shorter commute so I can get to that intersection early, at least until I get more confident at it. If I can't get there early enough, I'll try the crosswalk.

I went on my first group ride tonight. I'm hoping doing that once a week will help me be a stronger, more confident rider. I certainly felt a lot safer, and more visible riding with a group.

[marybee]

I took a course offered by the League of American Bicyclists that did wonders for my confidence in traffic. I highly recommend this course to anyone who commutes or bikes in any kind of traffic situation. For instance, did you know that you have just as much right as any motor vehicle to be on the road (in most places, except where bicycles are prohibited)? This course teaches you how to bike safely in traffic.
Here's their website:
http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/
You can search for instructors in your area. In my area, they put on this course once or twice a year. It cost maybe $40 but it was well worth the money. Although I don't enjoy biking in heavy traffic after taking their bike course, it certainly doesn't rattle me like it used to.