I did, then I went back to CTA. Chicago is not a bike friendly city. If you're not dealing with drivers, you're dodging pedestrians and swerving around potholes that look more like bmx ramps than road bumps.
I started out using Google navigation on my phone/Google maps on my computer, set to bicycing rather than directions by car.
I did this, and my route doesn't seem very safe. I may drive it one day to see how it really is.
I wish I could commute via bike. I'd love that.
I may have the shortest commute here at 0.75 mi, and occasionally drive or will take detour ride of 6-12 mi to remind me what I'm missing.
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I used to commute every day via bike. Now its a bit too far, which is 30 miles each way. I know people who do that sort of distant but my legs wont carry me as well as do a full days work which is on my feet.
Previously I rode 15 miles each way which is the limit for me for being enough to keep fit and too much before work. I really miss commuting on my bike as its a really good way to wind down after a stressful day.
The last bike that I commuted on for a couple of years was a hand built Dolan track frame, not hand built for me, i got it second or maybe third hand. It was super stiff aluminium frame which made it interesting on pot holed country lanes. I rode fixed just to make the travel a bit more exciting. I did have a couple of sketchy moments, one springs to mind when I was trying to squeeze between a bus as it was turning right and my crank hit the curb throwing my back end into the air and sideways. Luckily I kept hold of it.
I still ride on my days off but no commuting.
I loved this bike but sold it to raise funds to take me mrs to Paris to propose, which is the only good reason to sell a bike ha.
I have 10k ride each way, finishing on a nice uphill after crossing ANZAC Bridge. My 29er makes me visible to traffic, but I'm thinking about changing to a road bike for the sake of efficiency.
I REALLY should considering I live 1.7 miles away from work. But there's just something unapealing about showing up to work drenched in sweat when it's 100 degrees and the path is up and down some major hills.
Have a 50cc scooter. Easier and Safer.
Here's a pic of my Miyata Pista I also commute on...
-X
Have a 50cc scooter. Easier and Safer.