[SDCBC] Route choices, was I uttered discouraging words to a potential commuter.

[Jim Baross]

Route choice? I have been mulling some ideas about this.... seems 
like a personal decision to balance several - three? - categories of 
considerations. How's this look?

Time - when the time available is limited a shorter/more direct route 
and/or more speed/exertion is more desirable... even sometimes 
precluding a bicycle trip choice (or justification for purchase of an 
expensive/light/fast bike and/or more training!). Alternatively, some 
riding may be meant for "just riding"/"killing time"/ just to be on 
the bike/cruising; the "route" could even be on zero - a stationary trainer.

Effort/Exertion - willingness/desire/need for exertion is balanced 
against an increased necessity for expending energy when time to 
destination matters or terrain/hills, weather/wind, or carried weight 
are introduced/required on the chosen trip (desire for a 'workout" 
can justify using a heavy, slow or stationary bike or longer/harder 
routes to maximize exertion!). Some people choose routes to include 
hills or additional distance, right?

Comfort - riding environment: difficult/dangerous traffic and/or 
"neighborhoods'" situations (often ameliorated by 
experience/training), scenery, weather, noise/air quality; and also 
the camaraderie of companion bicyclists, quality/comfort of the 
chosen/available bicycle (justifies acquisition of "cool" stuff - 
bikes and equipment/clothing).

What am I missing?

At 06:50 AM 6/11/2008, John Eldon wrote:
>I disagree, Trevor. There are numerous intersections with 
>freeway-style free merges, diverges, or unions that I try to avoid 
>by bike, but not necessarily by car. On the bike, I look for 
>reasonable detours through quiet residential neighborhoods, so that 
>I can use low-volume 25mph streets instead of 55mph prime arterials. 
>With or perhaps even without the current construction along Genesee, 
>I gladly bike the detour through UCSD.

- snip -

>--- On Tue, 6/10/08, Trevor Bourget <trevorspoke at cox.net> wrote:
>
>However, the best method to choose the right bike route is the simple
>
>question: which way would you drive? In my experience, that is the best by
>
>bicycle also. It may take some time to become an expert at how to deal
>
>with the route, but in the end it is worth the investment.
>
>
>-- Trevor

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