Impossible to Ride to Work????

[Eden]

Try it on a day that you actually have off....then there is no pressure to have to be on time, you can simply try out the route, see how long it takes and scope out the possibilities.

[Tri Girl]

Great suggestions above.
I would also say- can you google map a bicycle route? Click on the bicycle and it will take you the best way via bike (although sometimes they goof and put you on terribly busy roads anyway).

For a couple years I worked 27 miles away from home. I rode my bike only 3 times in two years. It was not only really far, but I had to ride in the dark through some sketchy sections of town and had to ride on some crazy busy roads. If you can do a park/ride option that might be best.

[shootingstar]

Right now is good weather to try cycling a few times to work (and practice beforehand).

You'll feel so good afterwards. And yes, that 5 mile detour will be worth it!

[kajero]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. Unfortunately, I tried the trail map look up thing. That doesn't seem to be an option. I am still looking for a way, though. I just hate the idea of riding on streets on during rush hour. I am not the best rider . . . yet.

[goldfinch]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. Unfortunately, I tried the trail map look up thing. That doesn't seem to be an option. I am still looking for a way, though. I just hate the idea of riding on streets on during rush hour. I am not the best rider . . . yet.

Many years ago before I became a fat sloth I rode my bike to school in St. Paul from where I lived in South Minneapolis. Back then the traffic wasn't as bad but I did get run off the road intentionally once by a truck. I came close to getting "doored" a few times too. In restropect it was a dangerous ride but I loved it. I would be hesitant to commute there now, unless I could plot a route of bike paths and side streets.

A few years ago my cousin lived by Lake Calhoun and she commuted by bike to the Main U. She managed to figure out a route that worked, mostly via bike paths. The worst was over by the university, where everyone behaves unpredictably.

[tulip]

If you are uncomfortable riding in traffic, perhaps you would benefit from a cycling class like those offered by the League of American Bicyclists. Getting doored is particularly avoidable once you know how to ride outside of the door zone, for example.

Are there parallel routes that you can take? Often the best driving option is not the best for bicycling. Once you start looking at alternate routes, you might find some worth exploring on your bike.

[AnnB]

Have you Tried cyclopath? Although, it sounds like you have a tough route, you should check into the bus & ride options to get over the hard parts.