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Unfortunately, the average American commute is 15 miles one way, and American corporate offices tend to be located in areas where bike/pedestrian friendliness i

Unfortunately, the average American commute is 15 miles one way, and American corporate offices tend to be located in areas where bike/pedestrian friendliness is barely a consideration. I love biking and would be happy to bike for an hour each way, but every time I've mapped out a commute, there's been a stretch or too that's too dangerous. These days, straight roads scare me more than intersections. With the amount of distracted drivers out there, I'm not biking on any road without a spacious shoulder or a sidewalk.

pault 9y ago
I've noticed that in my neighborhood in Austin, most of the cyclists ride on the sidewalks. I've been thinking about getting a bicycle but this fact doesn't inspire confidence.
- antisthenes 9y ago
  Unless there's a dedicated bike lane, it makes more sense to cycle on the sidewalks than the road (if the road speed limit is 35mph+) A cyclist has the same protection from injury in an accident with a car as a pedestrian, but the pedestrian is far less likely to be injured by a bike than a car (if there is an accident)
  - nanomonkey 9y ago
    Studies have shown that riding on the sidewalk is considerably less safe than riding on the street (due to link rot, I can't find the studies I'd read, but google brings up plenty). Cars do not expect bicycles to be crossing intersections from the sidewalk, so your risk of being hit by a car goes up considerably unless you come to a complete stop at each intersection you cross. I've never met a bicyclist that does this as it will break your momentum considerably. Whats more, pedestrians and dogs often walk into the way of sidewalk operating bicyclist. Please don't do this.
    - thesmok 9y ago
      My experience confirms that. I've done a lot of riding on the road with cars but the only time I was hit by a car was when I was riding on the sidewalk and crossing the road.

pault 9y ago

I've noticed that in my neighborhood in Austin, most of the cyclists ride on the sidewalks. I've been thinking about getting a bicycle but this fact doesn't inspire confidence.

antisthenes 9y ago
Unless there's a dedicated bike lane, it makes more sense to cycle on the sidewalks than the road (if the road speed limit is 35mph+) A cyclist has the same protection from injury in an accident with a car as a pedestrian, but the pedestrian is far less likely to be injured by a bike than a car (if there is an accident)
- nanomonkey 9y ago
  Studies have shown that riding on the sidewalk is considerably less safe than riding on the street (due to link rot, I can't find the studies I'd read, but google brings up plenty). Cars do not expect bicycles to be crossing intersections from the sidewalk, so your risk of being hit by a car goes up considerably unless you come to a complete stop at each intersection you cross. I've never met a bicyclist that does this as it will break your momentum considerably. Whats more, pedestrians and dogs often walk into the way of sidewalk operating bicyclist. Please don't do this.
  - thesmok 9y ago
    My experience confirms that. I've done a lot of riding on the road with cars but the only time I was hit by a car was when I was riding on the sidewalk and crossing the road.