I take this road quite a bit either north or south. It's traffic cycle is heavy going North in the morning and South in the evening commute. All those cars headed to work through a tiny street with parking on both sides through much of it. Not the fastest street for cars as the Speed Limit is 35 for cars (or at least last time I checked it was.) On occasion, when I drive I see bikers on Cedar. Why bike Cedar Avenue?
There is Bloomington Avenue that is just West; a much smoother road with less traffic and generally slower cars moving down the way. Or East is 29th Avenue which is a bit rough with less cars. No one cares that you are a silly bike trying to compete for car space. The moustache handle bars are not going to make you immune to being crushed between a parked car and an oncoming vehicular ouchie. Cars always win that fight. I hope you are wearing a helmet because you may need to check your head if you think Cedar Avenue is bike friendly. It is not a bike friendly street.
I think there is a good way to let others know that the direct route is usually not the safest route. That taking a curved approach by choosing a better commuter street would make all the difference in your sanity and personal safety. Maybe a sign, like some I have seen in Oregon:"Bike lane is 2 blocks that Way" would be appropriate. I would contribute to that signage. I see these signs on 40th street that cross Cedar. But 40th Street goes East-West. I want to go North and South and so I disregard the sign and head south on Cedar Avenue. Where's the sign for North and South folks?
There is Bloomington Avenue that is just West; a much smoother road with less traffic and generally slower cars moving down the way. Or East is 29th Avenue which is a bit rough with less cars. No one cares that you are a silly bike trying to compete for car space. The moustache handle bars are not going to make you immune to being crushed between a parked car and an oncoming vehicular ouchie. Cars always win that fight. I hope you are wearing a helmet because you may need to check your head if you think Cedar Avenue is bike friendly. It is not a bike friendly street.
I think there is a good way to let others know that the direct route is usually not the safest route. That taking a curved approach by choosing a better commuter street would make all the difference in your sanity and personal safety. Maybe a sign, like some I have seen in Oregon:"Bike lane is 2 blocks that Way" would be appropriate. I would contribute to that signage. I see these signs on 40th street that cross Cedar. But 40th Street goes East-West. I want to go North and South and so I disregard the sign and head south on Cedar Avenue. Where's the sign for North and South folks?
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