Routing question - what would you do?

[indysteel]

I agree that it's unsafe.

I always had a similar dilemma living downtown. Depending on the time of day, I had a lot of traffic to deal with. I did it, but I didn't like it. From there, I could ride up the Monon but that meant going through an area where there have been repeated safety issues. Plus, by the time I got anywhere decent to ride, I would have already ridden 10-15 miles. So, more often than not, I just drove to ride. It was a PITA for sure and not exactly green. With our new house, we can just ride straight from home. It feels like such a treat.

That said, I do think with some additional experience, you will find a route that you can navigate from Speedway. I'll look at a map when I have a chance. Are you hoping to head due west or northwest?

[Catrin]

I agree that it's unsafe.

I always had a similar dilemma living downtown. Depending on the time of day, I had a lot of traffic to deal with. I did it, but I didn't like it. From there, I could ride up the Monon but that meant going through an area where there have been repeated safety issues. Plus, by the time I got anywhere decent to ride, I would have already ridden 10-15 miles. So, more often than not, I just drove to ride. It was a PITA for sure and not exactly green. With our new house, we can just ride straight from home. It feels like such a treat.

That said, I do think with some additional experience, you will find a route that you can navigate from Speedway. I'll look at a map when I have a chance. Are you hoping to head due west or northwest?

You lived downtown? Yes, that would have been a long ride to get someplace decent to ride.

I live around Cunningham and Crawfordsville road, and I would like to head due west to Hendricks County. From what I can tell, there is only one reasonable way to go NW and that is up High School Road which wouldn't be TOO bad depending on timing, but then I have to deal with 38th Street and cross the redesigned bridge over 465 - there again I think that if I time it right that it would be ok. No shame on walking my bike through a particularly scary bit if I must.

Riding NW would have me riding quite a distance to get to decent roads though, which is why I am focusing on finding some good route to get to Hendricks County. 21st west from Cunningham is the most direct, but that is the narrow 1-lane both ways with no shoulder/lots of traffic route. Unsure if this would be any better than US 136 west... There is always dawn if nothing else Or pre-dawn with a REALLY good light/tail light!