40 mph road. street or sidewalk?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Posts: 483
Bikes: Leader 722TS, Surly Steamroller, Panasonic DX-3000, Trek 4900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
40 mph road. street or sidewalk?
I'm going to start commuting to fall on my SS bike, and have a question about the best way for me to ride. I teach at a school that's a fairly short distance away, maybe 2 miles. To get there however I have to ride on two very busy roads (especially in the mornings). The roads have two lanes going each direction plus a turn lane in the middle. The speed limit is 40mph, though I'd say the good majority of people go at least 50. There's no shoulder. Should I still attempt to ride in the street? I know it's not illegal here, as the law says if the speed limit is 40 or higher you can ride on the sidewalk. Just wanted some outside input before I made my decision.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 458
Bikes: LHT + FreeRadical
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
context? alternative routes? i would need to know more before making a decision, but leaning strongly towards taking a lane given the information you've provided so far.
can you post your route in GMaps?
can you post your route in GMaps?
#3
Full Member
As long as you stay visible, you are normally safer on the street. The majority of car/bike accidents in this area are bikers on the sidewalk being hit by vehicles exiting driveways and parking lots. Intersections are also problematic on the sidewalk for a biker. If drivers check the sidewalk before they cross it, they don't look far enough to see a 15mph bike. A sidewalk with few intersections or driveways could be fine.
#4
Don from Austin Texas
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 1,211
Bikes: Schwinn S25 "department store crap" FS MTB, home-made CF 26" hybrid, CF road bike with straight bar, various wierd frankenbikes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I'm going to start commuting to fall on my SS bike, and have a question about the best way for me to ride. I teach at a school that's a fairly short distance away, maybe 2 miles. To get there however I have to ride on two very busy roads (especially in the mornings). The roads have two lanes going each direction plus a turn lane in the middle. The speed limit is 40mph, though I'd say the good majority of people go at least 50. There's no shoulder. Should I still attempt to ride in the street? I know it's not illegal here, as the law says if the speed limit is 40 or higher you can ride on the sidewalk. Just wanted some outside input before I made my decision.
Don in Austin
#5
Don from Austin Texas
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 1,211
Bikes: Schwinn S25 "department store crap" FS MTB, home-made CF 26" hybrid, CF road bike with straight bar, various wierd frankenbikes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
As long as you stay visible, you are normally safer on the street. The majority of car/bike accidents in this area are bikers on the sidewalk being hit by vehicles exiting driveways and parking lots. Intersections are also problematic on the sidewalk for a biker. If drivers check the sidewalk before they cross it, they don't look far enough to see a 15mph bike. A sidewalk with few intersections or driveways could be fine.
Don in Austin
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Downtown Detroit, Mi.
Posts: 781
Bikes: Surly LHT, 94 Cannondale track bike, 80's Cannondale track bike, 60's Raleigh 5 speed, 1888 Eldridge wood wheel track bike and my old 76 DG BMX from when I was a kid.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What is the sidewalk like? Empty or full of pedestrians? If you ride the sidewalk are you prepared to keep your speed down and check parking lots for cars going out every time you cross a drive? Are you prepared to keep an eye on the street for cars turning in? And on the sidewalk you should yield to EVERYTHING. Some sidewalks are a workable alternative to heavy fast street traffic and some are not. Riding on the sidewalk is as safe or dangerous as you make it.
Don in Austin
Don in Austin
#8
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
I'm going to start commuting to fall on my SS bike, and have a question about the best way for me to ride. I teach at a school that's a fairly short distance away, maybe 2 miles. To get there however I have to ride on two very busy roads (especially in the mornings). The roads have two lanes going each direction plus a turn lane in the middle. The speed limit is 40mph, though I'd say the good majority of people go at least 50. There's no shoulder. Should I still attempt to ride in the street? I know it's not illegal here, as the law says if the speed limit is 40 or higher you can ride on the sidewalk. Just wanted some outside input before I made my decision.
Don't of if this is proper or not, but sometimes on dual double lane roads, with a center turn lane, I use that lane when possible. Again, let me stress the HIGH IMPORTANCE of good lights. You can feel the speed of something passing you at 40mph+, but most likely, they will be doing 50mph+ or even 60. That kind of speed is no joke. So, if somebody claims don't run bright lights, the alternative is, after the contact, "oh I didn't see you"...
Luck to you..,
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: California
Posts: 390
Bikes: 2012 Civia Prospect, 2012 Specialized Sirrus Sport, 199x Canondale M800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If possible, I'd look for another route even if it were longer. If not, as others have said it depends on the sidewalk conditions. If they are empty and there are very few driveways/parking lots/et cetera I would probably take the sidewalk and be prepared, as Don in Austin wrote "to keep your speed down and check parking lots for cars going out every time you cross a drive."
#10
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
It's up to you. It depends on the situation and you are the one that is there and can judge traffic, driver attitude, number of cars on the road, number of pedestrians on the sidewalk, and your own skills.
Personally I ride on roads with no shoulders with 60MPH drivers, but the traffic is generally pretty light, a dozen cars a minute or so at worst, and there is no sidewalk, so my situation is not comparable. By the time I get to town where there is a sidewalk, there's also a turn lane and drivers can use that to go around me, or just stay in the lane, the lane is quite wide.
Personally I ride on roads with no shoulders with 60MPH drivers, but the traffic is generally pretty light, a dozen cars a minute or so at worst, and there is no sidewalk, so my situation is not comparable. By the time I get to town where there is a sidewalk, there's also a turn lane and drivers can use that to go around me, or just stay in the lane, the lane is quite wide.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
It may sound obvious or dumb but there's a tactic that helped me which didn't occur to me for months.
I have about a half mile on a road like that, narrow with high speeds and two lanes each direction. Since you encounter two such roads in only two miles, it may be similarly short but hairy. Anyway, instead of following with traffic on the road I simply wait at the light at a right turn entering the road! I stay out of the way while waiting so that right turners from behind can go around, and only go when the cross traffic has red - I can get the whole half mile to my turnoff ahead of traffic. Even going straight through (instead of turning right onto the road) you could do the same thing by going through the intersection and simply stopping at the cross street at the right turn position.
Though to be honest I don't do that when riding a couple of miles on that street; I ride with traffic and they go around me. But always, when I enter it on the right I just wait for the red even if it's clear.
I have about a half mile on a road like that, narrow with high speeds and two lanes each direction. Since you encounter two such roads in only two miles, it may be similarly short but hairy. Anyway, instead of following with traffic on the road I simply wait at the light at a right turn entering the road! I stay out of the way while waiting so that right turners from behind can go around, and only go when the cross traffic has red - I can get the whole half mile to my turnoff ahead of traffic. Even going straight through (instead of turning right onto the road) you could do the same thing by going through the intersection and simply stopping at the cross street at the right turn position.
Though to be honest I don't do that when riding a couple of miles on that street; I ride with traffic and they go around me. But always, when I enter it on the right I just wait for the red even if it's clear.
#12
Administrator
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Delaware shore
Posts: 13,559
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 2,180 Times
in
1,470 Posts
People use sidewalks to "walk." Depending on where you live, sidewalks can be filled with kids and elderly people. You run the risk of injuring them and yourselfs.
There's nothing unsafe about riding on a road with a 40 mph speedlimit if you are careful and seen through bright clothes and lights as it gets dark.
#13
Senior Member
I ride on sidewalk only when absolutely necessary. and from the description you give of your route, it may not be absolutely necessary. Riding on the sidewalk can be done safely, but in most cases, this is accomplished by going slowly.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 155
Bikes: Crossrip Elite, Bikesdirect tarck bike custom build
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My problem with "40MPH" roads is the speed of traffic is usually 55-60. You do indeed have the right (and responsibility) to ride on the road - but then again, you can be dead right, and still dead.
That said, I avoid those roads entirely. You're probably thinking like a driver, who asks "what is the shortest and fastest possible route?" You should think like a cyclist - "what is the safest and most pleasant route?"
That said, I avoid those roads entirely. You're probably thinking like a driver, who asks "what is the shortest and fastest possible route?" You should think like a cyclist - "what is the safest and most pleasant route?"
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sidereal Time
Posts: 119
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The longest leg of my commute is 2 miles on a busy two lane road with a 45mph speed limit. The real speed is closer to 50 or 55. I have no choice but to take the lane as there is no shoulder. It was very unsettling at first but I soon got used to vehicles passing me. My biggest concern is not so much getting hit, but for the vehicles passing me. They tend to try and move around me when there is a car in the oncoming lane. I've seen several close calls where the vehicle passing me came way too close to causing a head on collision. If this unthinkable event every happens right before my eyes I'm sure someone will try to blame it on me for being there.
#16
Banned
At 16mph on a SS, 2 miles is roughly 7.5 mins. I wouldn't even worry about it and just ride in the street.
Two lanes on each side even gives the car space to pass without encroaching into the lane for oncoming traffic. In addition, the turning lane is present.
Two lanes on each side even gives the car space to pass without encroaching into the lane for oncoming traffic. In addition, the turning lane is present.
#17
Mostly harmless ™
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Novi Sad
Posts: 4,430
Bikes: Heavy, with friction shifters
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1107 Post(s)
Liked 216 Times
in
130 Posts
There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers but still. You need to commute 2 miles on a bicycle? Youre a grown, educated man. What's the big deal? What does look more risky TO YOU. In that, yours, particular situation, on that particular stretch of road? Know any near, longer but better roads? No? Make your choice, find what works for you.
#18
12mph+ commuter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Oak Park, IL
Posts: 863
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Can you share the road without riding in the gutter? If you are three feet from the curb, and drivers can pass you with three feet clearance without entering the turn lanes, I'd ride on the road for sure. Have you tripled checked for all alternate routes? The bicycle option on Google Maps can sometimes find great alternative roads that you haven't considered yet. I'd much rather find a quieter residential road anyway than have to ride on a arterial street.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 8,896
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 196 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
If possible, find a longer but safer route. This is a win-win. You get in more riding time, plus you ride safer. My bike commute route is several miles longer than the route I drive to work. I would much rather ride some extra miles than ride a shorter but more dangerous route.
#20
Banned
Issue on the sidewalk, particularly if 'salmon-ing' against reaffic flow,
is they don't see you if they are looking at the oncoming traffic,
for a hole to jump into.
You may have to stop and let them go, ring your loud bell,
or slap the side of the car to get them to turn their head to see you.
is they don't see you if they are looking at the oncoming traffic,
for a hole to jump into.
You may have to stop and let them go, ring your loud bell,
or slap the side of the car to get them to turn their head to see you.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: California
Posts: 390
Bikes: 2012 Civia Prospect, 2012 Specialized Sirrus Sport, 199x Canondale M800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Mind you, I am not saying it is wise, safe, or in any other was a good idea (in most cases), but I think the idea that it is illegal in most places in the USA is an urban myth.
Regardless, the OP checked and found that it was not illegal were he asked about so in this particular case it is a red herring.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 74
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Even if it's technically illegal in many places, it is likely unenforced. I doubt police in most places would bother ticketing a cyclist on a sidewalk unless said cyclist was riding recklessly or stupidly. In situations where cars must move around a cyclist on a road, the motorists have control over how safe the situation is. On the sidewalk, the cyclist has control. Really, then, what is preferable to the cyclist? I'm not saying it's safer to ride on sidewalks all the time... if there is room for a bike on roads, roads are safer. But it frankly seems obtuse to suggest the opposite, that roads are always safer, no matter the specifics regarding how much room there is for bikes.
To the OP... you have a couple of months before you start commuting... why not go out during non peak hours on your off days and experiment with different routes. It shouldn't be hard to find one that you feel comfortable with.
To the OP... you have a couple of months before you start commuting... why not go out during non peak hours on your off days and experiment with different routes. It shouldn't be hard to find one that you feel comfortable with.
#23
Thunder Whisperer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,843
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 275 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
I'm going to start commuting to fall on my SS bike, and have a question about the best way for me to ride. I teach at a school that's a fairly short distance away, maybe 2 miles. To get there however I have to ride on two very busy roads (especially in the mornings). The roads have two lanes going each direction plus a turn lane in the middle. The speed limit is 40mph, though I'd say the good majority of people go at least 50. There's no shoulder. Should I still attempt to ride in the street? I know it's not illegal here, as the law says if the speed limit is 40 or higher you can ride on the sidewalk. Just wanted some outside input before I made my decision.
I won't tell you whether you should take the lane or the sidewalk. Pros/cons for each, though the legallity lends itself more favorably to using the road. Just invest in some good lights- especially in the rear. You want to give the people coming from behind as much time to notice and react to your presense as possible.
__________________
Community guidelines
Community guidelines
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA
Posts: 6,341
Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 550 Post(s)
Liked 325 Times
in
226 Posts
I'm going to start commuting to fall on my SS bike, and have a question about the best way for me to ride. I teach at a school that's a fairly short distance away, maybe 2 miles. To get there however I have to ride on two very busy roads (especially in the mornings). The roads have two lanes going each direction plus a turn lane in the middle. The speed limit is 40mph, though I'd say the good majority of people go at least 50. There's no shoulder. Should I still attempt to ride in the street? I know it's not illegal here, as the law says if the speed limit is 40 or higher you can ride on the sidewalk. Just wanted some outside input before I made my decision.
You're _much_ more likely to be hit riding across a drive way or side-street than you are from behind on the road, especially if you're traveling the opposite direction from car traffic.
Car drivers are generally oblivious to bicycle-speed traffic on side-walks (or bike paths running alongside the main road) and bikes travelling in the opposite direction from traffic are effectively invisible.
Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 06-12-12 at 10:17 PM.
#25
Acts 2:38
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 500
Bikes: '10 Marin Lucas Valley, '13 Scott Speedster 20
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Without reading any other posts, my answer would be to take an alternate route, unless there's enough room for a bike in the lane with traffic despite having no dedicated bike lane. Riding on the expressway everyday (45+MPH -- many do upwards of 60), I can't imagine subjecting myself to the possibility of being nailed while taking the lane. I would simply avoid the whole mess if possible if I couldn't safely ride alongside traffic at those speeds.
Last edited by rex_kramer; 06-13-12 at 12:26 AM. Reason: Missed some info on the # of lanes