South Phoenix area cyclists? (Page, Buckeye: construction, camper, bus)

[Chairmaker13]

I hear the driving is quite bad in Phoenix. I was thinking of commuting to work by bicycle. I also believe in self-preservation. Is it possible to commute safely by bicycle about 10 miles each way from Laveen to Papago Industrial District via roadway "bike lanes"?

Do Phoenix drivers have a hatred for road cyclists?

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by Chairmaker13

I hear the driving is quite bad in Phoenix. I was thinking of commuting to work by bicycle. I also believe in self-preservation. Is it possible to commute safely by bicycle about 10 miles each way from Laveen to Papago Industrial District via roadway "bike lanes"?

Do Phoenix drivers have a hatred for road cyclists?

I often use my bicycle as part of my commute, although in a completely different part of town. I don't sense any hatred, but there is plenty of distraction and speeding. As for your specific question, it really depends on the exact destinations at both ends. 51st Avenue has bike lanes over part of its length, but not all of it. Van Buren has no bike lanes. In general, your lowest stress routes are collector streets halfway between arterials and multiuse paths along the canals and other recreational corridors.

Keep in mind that one option is to combine bicycling with public transit. Ride along the part that has good infrastructure and load your bike (and yourself) onto the bus along the part that feels less safe and welcoming. Another bonus of that approach is that you can make adjustments based on weather. This time of year, you might want to pedal as much as possible. In the summer, however, you might want to minimize your riding time during the afternoon heat.

[Chairmaker13]

exit2lef,
Great idea on combining public transit with the commute. That would work really well. Thanks for replying

[auto camper]

Would do so with wheels sporting tires wide enough to allow you to navigate as close to the curb as possible. Passing over debris pushed aside by vehicle traffic and not puncturing is approach to being as safe as you can be. Street sweeping may occur but monthly, at best. This activity tends to rearrange stone and gravel and is extremely irritating, making the bike path more of a bombing range.

[Chairmaker13]

Thanks autocamper,
My tires are pretty much puncture proof....but not sure about the sidewalls. I'll have to look into different tires maybe

[jnojr]

From my observations of Phoenix drivers, sharing a road with them on a bicycle would be suicidally stupid.

[Chairmaker13]

Originally Posted by jnojr

From my observations of Phoenix drivers, sharing a road with them on a bicycle would be suicidally stupid.

....and I don't want to become a statistic.

[locolobo13]

I commute by bike almost every day. Mine is from central Phoenix to downtown. Put google maps in bicycle mode and look at the options.

Google maps shows the bike lane on 51st Ave ending at Buckeye Rd. At that point you are almost to the Papago Industrial District. Depending on how heavy traffic is you may want to ride the sidewalk at that point.

My suggestion would be to drive it. Look it over with an eye to riding. If you can ride it on the weekend first.

Sometimes the bridge over the Salt River is partially blocked for construction. They usually close the bike lane when that happens. Of course you can ride in the lane but there are only so many bridges in the area.

[KurtAZ]

Whatever you do...please just remember that bicycles have to obey traffic laws just as motorists do. I have seen too many close calls because some bicyclist decides they don't have to stop at a stop sign.

Phoenix Bicyclist Laws

[Chairmaker13]

Originally Posted by KurtAZ

Whatever you do...please just remember that bicycles have to obey traffic laws just as motorists do. I have seen too many close calls because some bicyclist decides they don't have to stop at a stop sign.

Phoenix Bicyclist Laws

Thanks for that thought KurtAZ. I am a "survivor" at heart because I choose to use my brain all the time. Cyclists who don't obey traffic laws can typically be put in the Darwin Award category...sadly, their time will come, likely a bit prematurely.