Do you ever get afraid? (night riding)

[Tri Girl]

Twin-I live in far NW OKC and teach in Moore. The easiest/safest way (traffic wise anyway) is to head to downtown, then turn south toward Moore. The "iffy" part is just south of downtown on Shields. It's very dark, and when I've ridden there during the day I've encountered people who like to yell a lot. That was only twice, tho- so I know I shouldn't judge it based on those couple experiences. South side folks actually seem more considerate to bikers because more of them use a bicycle for transportation. It's the Nichols Hill's monster SUVs and Hummers that I worry about running me off the road.

I'm *sorta* familiar with Tulsa, and I think I know where you are talking about. That might be a little hairy, but sounds like you never had a problem. Realistically, I've read that many crimes are committed by people who know each other, and the others are opportunistic crimes. I try to believe that nobody will jump out and abduct/rob/kill a sweaty biker in the morning or evening- especially with a backpack and rear rack stuffed. If I tried to make myself look a little crazier, they might just avoid me altogether... hmmmm...

[twin]

Which school in Moore do you teach at? I teach at Norman North and teach art. When I ride to OKC from Norman I cross from central norman to west norman and go down 48th untill I can ride on Western to about north May and 36th when I am visting friends. I thought I was moving to that area and would commute to Norman and it would have been about an hour and a half. I am in the same situation as you were last year and have a 3 mile commute each way. I add on miles when I can.

[RoadRaven]

If I tried to make myself look a little crazier, they might just avoid me altogether... hmmmm...

I like this thinking

[Voodoo Sally]

Hey Tri Girl,

I've been commuting in the dark a lot this year, in the evening. I didn't know how I'd like it at first, but I took to it. I feel somewhat anxious going through the busiest traffic downtown areas, changing lanes, watching doors, etc. I feel safer just cruising down the roads with few or no intersections and no parked cars. But I feel safe and strangely peaceful in the woods part (mt. biking) of my commute, totally alone in the dark. I know that probably sounds insane, but then again, we're talking about someone who has been known to go backpacking alone. That's just me. I would try your commute once and see how you feel. And I do believe that ne'er-do-wells are unlikely to be out around dawn, as opposed to later hours, and also, the colder it is, the less likely they are to be out. Law enforcement types know that summer is the high season for punkish activity, and winter is the low season.

Good luck.

[Tri Girl]

Thanks, Sally. I think I'm just going to have to "suck it up" and get out there. With everyone's advice, stories, etc I'm feeling more brave and confident.
Thanks again ladies!!!!


Twin- I teach at Broadmoore in Moore. My commute will take me from the NW side, down Shields (I love 3 lane roads- nobody can complain about me taking up too much room) to 4th, then a little jog over to school. It's dumb, but the road 3/4 mile right around the school is the scariest part traffic-wise (narrow 2 lane road with lots of traffic). Pretty great that you teach Art at the high school. I've taught elementary and middle school (never again at the middle school level), and think one day high school might be worth a try. I hear they turn normal again after their brief time spent in the "formative" years of adolescence.

[Geonz]

The roads near schools are notoriously nasty. You might want to see if there's any organization near you applying for "safe routes to school" funds and give 'em some input!

[Flybye]

I tend to approach things like this from a more therapeutic/humorous angle.
Hope this helps!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYLMTvxOaeE



Good Luck!