biking on Randolph Rd / other 3 lane roads ... choosing a work commute route

[sarakat1]

Hi WABA,

I'm new to the area and have been commuting by bike for ~3 years in other cities. I'm riding to a new job in Calverton (located a few miles up I-95, outside the beltway) and it seems I can't avoid sections of Randolph Rd on my route. I never ever bike sidewalks (for safety and on principle), but I'm considering trying it on Randolph... just not sure I can keep up with traffic or what the rush hour will look like.

Anyone else bike Randolph or other 3-lane roads regularly? Thoughts on switching to sidewalks on these roads?

Many thanks,
S

[MCL1981]

My morning commute has me on a portion of Old Georgetown which is 2 or 3 lanes in each direction and a median. I started off on the street in the right lane for the same reason you do. But after a while, I started to feel like a fly waiting be squashed. The flow of traffic is just too fast for my comfort. I now ride the sidewalk and I think I'm legitimately safer. You just need to be extra cautious approaching intersections, even with a walk signal. Drivers are looking for fast moving traffic on the road, not the sidewalk. Keep your head on the swivel, get super bright flashing lights for the front and back. Never careen into a crosswalk, even on a walk signal, without visually confirming that there isn't someone about to roll through it looking at the road instead of you. Also, the ped traffic in that area is very light to non-existent so that isn't an issue.

[sarakat1]

Thanks very much for the input

[Terpfan]

I've never ridden on Randolph, but have driven it plenty of times. I don't think I would try riding on it simply because I don't trust the drivers on it. People ride it like they ride CT Ave--small speedway.