Hi, I just started a new job in East Liberty, starting at 4am each day. I feel slighty uncomfortable walking there at such an early hour. I've done some mountain biking but don't have much city riding experience.
Looking for some general advice, safety tips, etc. I'm assuming that staying on main roadways is best, and having a front light and back blinker is advisable. Anything else to keep in mind?
Welcome!
I also have a very early morning commute! I would say that a good, bright, blinking front and back light is a must. Take the lane, and be sure that your rear lights are pointing in a direction that makes them highly visible to drivers.
Confidence will come with time. I usually assume that people are drunk (I used to have to use E Carson for my early morning commute - least fun ever.), so I try to make sure they see to avoid me if necessary.
Invest a few bucks in some visible clothing. That can be a $5 vest from Home Depot to wear over your regular stuff, or a high vis windbreaker or ??? You want to be seen.
Generally, where will you be coming from? There may be routes to be explored (or avoided) that are not intuitive, but that the members of this board can suggest to you.
VISIBILITY. Buy a PlanetBike SuperFlash for your rear, $25 at Performance in your 'hood
+ 1 for the super flash. I commute in Eastliberty around 4am everyday. It can be safe as long as you're visible. If you give us an idea where you're coming from and going we can guide you down a safe route.
Thx for the tips, didn't consider the clothing aspect.
I live in Bloomfield, close to Friendship Ave, which would be the most direct route, but it seems too isolated for my tastes. Penn ave is close and I could try that.
the more bombastic and obnoxious the gear, the better. no one is wide awake in the early morning. I use a cherry bomb for my rear light and depending on the weather it's a Cateye or a MiNewt in the front.
I have reflective stickers and straps on my helmet, as well as, a set of continentals with reflective sidewalls. works nice in the rain.
I think Friendship Ave. is the better choice but it only takes you to Negley, I choose Friendship then Center Ave. I have found that route to EL is a better than Penn.
Coral Ave. It's between Friendship and Penn and goes as far as Friendship (i.e. to Negley).
Don't take highland between penn ave and penn circle north.. Road surface blows. And I call that the Frogger area.
