Bike to work day
I did a dry run of my commute, taking Post down to Market then going in the Davis & Market Embarcadero entrance. I then locked up my bike, looked at the time, and from start to finish it took exactly 30 minutes. 6:07 to 6:37. This included my normal fumbling like, “where is my helmet? Gloves? Locks? Oh! I need water!”
The way back also took 30 minutes. I took Drumm up to Sutter, then Sutter all the way back home. The whole process was pretty exhausting.
Here’s what to expect taking a bike on the busy streets of San Francisco:
- If you don’t take up the whole lane, taxis will try to nudge past.
- If someone is driving an old beater, watch out! If you can smell the car, chances are they’ll try to run you over.
- This isn’t a good way to get fresh air. Most of the cars stink, especially gas powered taxis, police cars and police motor bikes.
- The hills aren’t as bad as they look. Expect to hit plenty of red lights so you can get some rest.
- Pedestrians don’t notice you. They’ll walk right into your path, even if you have right of way.
- Don’t worry about Muni. You’ll zoom past the bus and never see it again during your commute.
I need to buy a bell or horn or something so I don’t have to yell at people to get out of the way, as well as some flashing lights so I can get around at dusk.
I must say one thing is for sure, this will get me into shape way faster than the gym did!
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