Commuting

[betagirl]

I like the messenger bag over a backpack for 2 reasons:

1) your back doesn't get nearly as sweaty with a messenger bag.

2) The weight seems to be better distributed with the messenger bag, though I can't explain how. It just "feels" better on my back and shoulders.

A backpack will certainly work though.

[CorsairMac]

and I'm a backpack girl. I just bought a new slightly larger one so I can carry my heavier clothes in the winter. As for commuting on busy streets:

I've done it here and Beta is right (although I would've used the word "assertive" LOL) Anyway, you are entitled to 3 feet of lane as a biker. I try to be very aware of cars here and try not to upset them but on the occassions when I've had to ride on busy streets with no bike lane, I take my 3 feet and hold my line. That way the cars Know I'm there and that I'm not afraid. As a rule on left hand turns I do take the turn lane IF I can get across the traffic. I will stay to the right of the lane or close to the lane line, (whichever is easier to visual) so cars behind me that are turning have the room to pass me as we both make the turn. It tends to not upset the drivers so much. I'll also crowd the crosswalk lines so the cars can get far enough forward in the lane to trip the signal. It seems to pacify the drivers about having a cyclist in the turn lane. On the rare occassion (I don't think I'm spelling that word right) I can't get into the left turn lane, yes, I'll pull up onto the sidewalk and use it to cross the street. There are times in the winter when I wonder why I'm doing this - but then I get on the bike and start commuting, and it all comes back to me! Enjoy your commute!! and Let us know how it goes!!

and Beta: congrats on your commuting. I'm glad to hear you were able to work a route out! Isn't commuting awesome!!!???

[SalsaMTB]

Gosh, you girls have me so excited to start now!!

I'll get a new bike and get at least 30 miles of riding in each day!

At work I don't even think there is a rack to lock your bike on (the joys of working in automotive). I'm definitely storing it in my cube until someone tells me otherwise. There isn't much room, but it will work!

[KnottedYet]

I also crowd into the crosswalk line if I'm the first to a stoplight. Cars seem to be happier if they can get right up to the stop line, and they can trip the light. Plus it gives me a head start through the intersection. And I "take the lane" (even though I'm in the crosswalk) so my big ol' tushie is RIGHT in front of them. They can see me just fine and they don't make a right-hand turn over the top of me.

[Geonz]

Aw, heck, panniers and that stuff are still piling onto a machine not *really* made for the job. http://www.xtracycle.com/index.php is what I would do :-) (I have the "free radical" on my Giant hybrid and love it... but I would love one fo the Breezers even more, with their weather-resistant setups and dynamo lights and the whole works). They're giving two away with a contest (the Free Radicals, not the whole bikes)
I have to say that I get a little more friendly treatment with mine 'cause I look like I'm a commuter... but people are just friendly here and it's not too busy.

[KnottedYet]

Oh, man, I want one of those.... Don't need, just want.

[Geonz]

I thought I would have buyer's remorse... but no, just liek the website says, it's MAGIC. Karma. All that like California stuff - but it works in the Midwest, too!

[betagirl]

Beta: congrats on your commuting. I'm glad to hear you were able to work a route out! Isn't commuting awesome!!!???

Yup

I'm so hooked I commuted to my other "office" today, which is a much hairier and much longer route.

For those who are trying to figure out routes to commute, Google Earth is da bomb. http://earth.google.com