Bicycling on the Interstate

[Cyaphas]

On one of my next two days off I'm going to be doing a dry run with my bicycle to work. It should be just under 17 miles one way. The route is fairly brave. A portion of my planned route will take me on I-820 here in Fort Worth, TX. There is a bridge across Lake Worth that is by far the shortest route to my destination.

I did some looking and it's perfectly legal to ride a bicycle on the shoulder of an interstate in Texas. I'm actually more nervous about a couple of portions of my planned route that have to interact with weaving freeway on/off ramp type situations. I'm curios, has anyone here ever dealt with this before on a bicycle?

[greaper007]

Never have, but I'm afraid of driving in Texas let alone biking.    I swear, everytime I see an idiot tailgating in a ginormous pickup truck with his face in a phone here in Colorado, they have Texas plates.....

Sorry I couldn't add to this, good luck.    It's always good for people to see more bikers.

[Miss Piggy]

Wow. I am scared for you. It's legal? Well, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Unlike non-interstates, you're going to want to stay as far away from traffic lanes as possible. That means you're going to be riding on a lot of junk...gravel, broken glass, random garbage, nails, etc. So you'll be risking flat tires in addition to risking your life riding alongside semis traveling 70+ MPH.

I just don't think this is smart.

[Uturn]

I would be concerned about the wind.  That is a long ass bridge and there is nothing to block the crosswinds off the lake.  I am interested in hearing about the experience when you try it.

[kendallf]

I've ridden on the freeway legally (near Yuma, AZ) and illegally (here in Jacksonville, FL across the St. Johns River a few times).  Riding along the breakdown lane is great; plenty of separation from traffic.  The on and off-ramps are the problem, depending on traffic density.  I would not want to ride across many exits in city traffic.  If you're getting on at the last ramp before a bridge, and exiting on the first ramp after the bridge, it shouldn't be a problem, assuming they have a reasonable shoulder on the entry and exit ramps.

[ncornilsen]

If going across the on/offramps is a problem, just right up them, cross the road there, then ride down the onramp and back to the shoulder.

[GuitarStv]

The actual flat parts if you can stay well off to the shoulder shouldn't be bad at all.  The area around entrance/exits though are likely to be quite dangerous.  People tend to be distracted at the best of times, and will not be used to handling their vehicle around a bicycle at high speeds.  They will make mistakes . . . that means approaching you too fast from behind, trying to cut in-front of you without leaving enough space, and generally being more assholish than usual.  Well in advance of the on/off ramps you will need to merge into the through lane to minimize confusion, but this will enrage drivers so expect to be treated to a lot of honking and the occasional thing thrown at you.

Multiple, very bright rear lights and always wearing high-viz stuff (as well as not even considering doing this in the dark, or during rainy conditions) would be prudent if you're set on it.  I don't normally ride with a mirror on my bike, but for what you're describing I'd probably try out one of those helmet mounted 3rd eye mirrors.  It might also be worth upgrading your tires to something flat-proof or with tire liners to minimize your time changing flats on the side of the highway.

I'm pretty adventurous on my bike, but am not sure that I'd do what you're planning.

[bobechs]

...this will enrage drivers so expect to be treated to a lot of honking and the occasional thing thrown at you.

This describes the normal state of bicycle-motor vehicle interaction in Texas.  Venturing onto the freeways is like going to a whole other country.  A very dangerous country.

[alsoknownasDean]

Never have, but I'm afraid of driving in Texas let alone biking.    I swear, everytime I see an idiot tailgating in a ginormous pickup truck with his face in a phone here in Colorado, they have Texas plates.....

Sorry I couldn't add to this, good luck.    It's always good for people to see more bikers.

It's not illegal to use one's phone and drive there? No ads on TV warning people against it? I see a lot of people here refer to people on their phones while driving.

And yeah, I'd be apprehensive about riding a bike on a freeway. I used to live on a main road and that was bad enough for biking.

Is there no other alternative route? Can you drive part of the way and ride the other part?

I enjoy my 4.5 mile bike commute, but I think commuting 17 miles partly along an interstate would be a bit too much, especially with cars (and supersize pickup trucks) going past at 70-80+mph. :)

[big_slacker]

I've spent some time in Dallas/FW area for work. I didn't feel super safe in my rental chevy sonic let alone on a bike, lol! Good luck to you sir!:D

[JLee]

From a driver's perspective, I am not expecting to see a bicycle on the side of an interstate.  The speed differential between interstate traffic and bicycle traffic is extreme and reaction times are going to be minimal.  My biggest concern would be getting squashed when crossing on/off ramps. Nobody's going to expect somebody pedaling across the highway at 15mph.

[GuitarStv]

Nobody's going to expect somebody pedaling across the highway at 15mph.

Let's be fair to the guy.  It's not a super long commute.  He would probably be holding 20 - 25 mph if he's in good shape.

[Jack]

Here in Georgia, riding a bike on controlled-access freeways is generally illegal. (There are exceptions, such as the day Ronald Reagan parkway closes for a footrace.) I was under the impression that most states are the same, except for one place in California somewhere where the freeway is literally the only route through a mountain pass (maybe here?).

Not only would I not ride on the freeway (except maybe for that spot in California, and even then I might take a very long detour and/or go off-road on the Pacific Crest Trail), I also question whether you really need to either. Could you post the rough location of your origin and destinations so that we can suggest alternate routes? After all, 17 miles one way is already long enough that adding an extra mile or two to take the 199 bridge over the lake or detouring south around Lockheed Martin ought to be considered an option.

Actually, looking at Google Maps I notice that I-820 has collector/distributor roads in all areas except for the bridge. Staying on the shoulders of the C/D roads might almost be halfway reasonable (although merges would still be dangerous).

[acroy]

!!!??!!!
cycling on interstate?!
Crazy man. Find alternate. Death!

[mmuhlenkamp]

My husband took his e-bike once on the interstate for one entrance/exit section (the frontage road was closed due to high water). He'll never do that again, he said it was pretty terrifying (decent shoulder on that section too). Access roads no problem, actual interstate though I would not recommend.

[greaper007]

36, the highway between Boulder and Denver was recently re done.   It now has a bike path that runs the entire length.   It's about 50-100 away from the highway, but essentially follows it the whole way.    I expect to see more of this in the future.

[bobechs]

36, the highway between Boulder and Denver was recently re done.   It now has a bike path that runs the entire length.   It's about 50-100 away from the highway, but essentially follows it the whole way.    I expect to see more of this in the future.

Expect all you want.  But don't come to Texas, with your expectations hanging out in the breeze.

[greaper007]

36, the highway between Boulder and Denver was recently re done.   It now has a bike path that runs the entire length.   It's about 50-100 away from the highway, but essentially follows it the whole way.    I expect to see more of this in the future.

Expect all you want.  But don't come to Texas, with your expectations hanging out in the breeze.

I lived in Dallas until I was 12, I know.

[Cyaphas]

I held down 18-20mph... Not bad for my size.

http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-of-the-cash!/msg1084839/#msg1084839

[CLB]

I held down 18-20mph... Not bad for my size.

http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-of-the-cash!/msg1084839/#msg1084839

This is fantastic! Way to go!

[GuitarStv]

I held down 18-20mph... Not bad for my size.

http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-of-the-cash!/msg1084839/#msg1084839

Right on, and nicely done!

345 huh?  Keep an eye on your wheels . . . specifically your spokes.  Check them every couple rides.  You're putting a lot of stress on them, so if you notice any are getting a bit loose you want to take them in to be trued or (ideally) learn to tighten them up yourself.

[Cyaphas]

I held down 18-20mph... Not bad for my size.

http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-of-the-cash!/msg1084839/#msg1084839

Right on, and nicely done!

345 huh?  Keep an eye on your wheels . . . specifically your spokes.  Check them every couple rides.  You're putting a lot of stress on them, so if you notice any are getting a bit loose you want to take them in to be trued or (ideally) learn to tighten them up yourself.

I've got some nice tools specifically for that. I used to do a lot of joy riding around a local lake and I've gotten pretty good with bicycle maintenance on my Fuji. Thanks for the heads up. I also really appreciate the support.

[mrpercentage]

Asking to get blasted. My sister-in-law did one of those biking trips for charity. Very unfortunately, one of the participants was nailed by a driver not paying attention. You can die doing anything: smoking, drinking, erotic asphyxiation, heart attack, cancer; however, I do the best I can to remove things like "blasted by a texter going 70 mph while pedaling a bike in spandex"

[Cyaphas]

 "blasted by a texter going 70 mph while pedaling a bike in spandex"

Wo... wo... wo... Hold on there sparky. Nobody said anything about spandex...

[Sibley]

Just because you can do a thing doesn't mean you should. I would not bike on an interstate unless it has a specifically designated, separated bike lane.

And just because it's legal doesn't mean that you won't have trouble. Breastfeeding in public is widely legal, and new mothers have problems all the time.

[LeRainDrop]

From a driver's perspective, I am not expecting to see a bicycle on the side of an interstate.  The speed differential between interstate traffic and bicycle traffic is extreme and reaction times are going to be minimal.  My biggest concern would be getting squashed when crossing on/off ramps. Nobody's going to expect somebody pedaling across the highway at 15mph.

+1

[Cyaphas]

Realizing that most city's interstate's shoulders have little to no room, to give you context, I rode on a 10 ft concrete shoulder.

[Hason1956]

Is it still safe root for bicycling?

[Cyaphas]

Is it still safe root for bicycling?

I didn't feel unsafe. That shoulder was twice as large as a lot of bicycle lanes. The debris and glass were the only things that I found frustrating and that runs the risk of a flat, not death.

[Rubic]

During 2008 RAAM, I rode slightly over 50 miles of Interstate shoulder on the race route.  With 18 wheelers passing me at 70+ mph, it was such a relief to finish that portion of the ride.  Crappy surface with glass and other road debris, and vehicles laying on their horns every few minutes.  Would not recommend.

[GuitarStv]

 "blasted by a texter going 70 mph while pedaling a bike in spandex"

Wo... wo... wo... Hold on there sparky. Nobody said anything about spandex...

Give it a year or so . . . once your rippling ass and thighs have reached GODLIKE level (coupled with the t-rex arms of a cyclist) there's more motivation to wear spandex.

[Uturn]

Dude!  Never again do I need to know anything about your ass. 

[Forcus]

Riding on the interstate in TX? Do you have to have a special seat for balls that big?

[esq]

Wondering if you're still biking?  I imagine you might want to wait until it cools off somewhat.....say, November?

Also wondering how you handle the feeder traffic?  No bike lane or shoulder on most of those.

[yuka]

Riding on the interstate in TX? Do you have to have a special seat for balls that big?

QFT

[Cyaphas]

Wondering if you're still biking?  I imagine you might want to wait until it cools off somewhat.....say, November?

Also wondering how you handle the feeder traffic?  No bike lane or shoulder on most of those.

I haven't been biking since my daughters flew down from Seattle at the beginning of July. I plan to get right back on the horse after they leave this Thursday. I still want to meet my goal of biking 3 times a week to work round trip. I'm planning on taking a much longer alternate route to get home after work. Night riding in the summer time here is quite pleasant. I've got a lot of hi-vis gear and there are a few nice trails along the Trinity river. I'll definitely be posting in my journal about some of my adventures and mis-adventures.

[yuka]

Wondering if you're still biking?  I imagine you might want to wait until it cools off somewhat.....say, November?

Also wondering how you handle the feeder traffic?  No bike lane or shoulder on most of those.

I haven't been biking since my daughters flew down from Seattle at the beginning of July. I plan to get right back on the horse after they leave this Thursday. I still want to meet my goal of biking 3 times a week to work round trip. I'm planning on taking a much longer alternate route to get home after work. Night riding in the summer time here is quite pleasant. I've got a lot of hi-vis gear and there are a few nice trails along the Trinity river. I'll definitely be posting in my journal about some of my adventures and mis-adventures.

I didn't realize that the non-suicidal option existed. I would lobby for that one, both ways.

[Cyaphas]

Wondering if you're still biking?  I imagine you might want to wait until it cools off somewhat.....say, November?

Also wondering how you handle the feeder traffic?  No bike lane or shoulder on most of those.

I haven't been biking since my daughters flew down from Seattle at the beginning of July. I plan to get right back on the horse after they leave this Thursday. I still want to meet my goal of biking 3 times a week to work round trip. I'm planning on taking a much longer alternate route to get home after work. Night riding in the summer time here is quite pleasant. I've got a lot of hi-vis gear and there are a few nice trails along the Trinity river. I'll definitely be posting in my journal about some of my adventures and mis-adventures.

I didn't realize that the non-suicidal option existed. I would lobby for that one, both ways.

Ha... During the daytime the route I plan to take at night is, in my opinion, more suicidal. Traffic, 95 degrees and 24 miles vs 16 miles with roughly 1 mile on the side of the Interstate. The reason I don't want to take the interstate route at night, I discovered, I can't avoid the tire popping debris on the side of the freeway like I can on my day ride. That and I found I REALLY enjoy a nice lazy long ride at night.

[RosieTR]

I thought I had done some crazy stuff on a bike! Including riding on New Year's Eve after work on a state highway (55mph speed limit), riding around Houston with no helmet or light, as a young and dumb college student, and with helmet and other good gear in an area of Phoenix that the Phx PD officer doing a safety talk thought was rather sketchy (not as much because of traffic but maybe because of gunshot potential? I did see people get arrested on the street pretty frequently on that commute).

Only time on an interstate was near Santa Fe, as part of the Santa Fe Century. It was kind of a trip to ride on the interstate, but as part of a planned ride with signage, I wasn't super nervous. Still, someone got killed today during the bike portion of Boulder Ironman, and I am certain that was both signed and had volunteer or police flaggers along the course. In my experience, Colorado folk know at least to try to look for bicycles, Texans not so much esp anywhere other than Austin.

Good luck. I'm not really sure I'd do that.

[Papa Mustache]

We have an older couple here that has ridden a tandem bike daily on the shoulder of a four lane state highway here for years. They do a long ride too - maybe 25 miles each way. No harm to them yet but I do worry about them. Speed limit is 65 mph.

[TheDude]

I've ridden I-80 in Wyoming. The traffic is pretty slow in WY so its not comparable but the shoulder were so dirty as a group we had more flats that day than any other. Of course during one flat change we had an I 80 dance party in the middle of I 80 so that was cool.