I know there's another thread about biking at night, but I wanted one that's more reflective of my route. Here's a crime map of the area that I have to pass through.
https://www.crimereports.com/map?search=64108 I work the night so I'd have to be riding between 9:30 PM to 11:00PM (google says it'd take me about 75 minutes to ride about 12 miles. Anyways I'm pretty much terrified of the idea of going through that area on a bike at night. Even by car, it's windows up, doors locked, and foot on the pedal and not stopping for anyone approaching. It isn't really that bad since it's fairly desolate (for a reason, there's shootings sometimes and was gang territory about a decade or two ago) and there are homeless with lots of stop lights where I'd be stopped if I was going by bike that I'm afraid of. I can't bike on the highway like I drive to get around it either :S. Does anyone have any tips on how to make the trip safer, aside from not making it by bike?
I found this 1980s Schwinn Traveler III Road Bike on craigslist for $40 that I'm tempted to pick up to commute with, I currently have a mountain bike to bike with in free time. I don't travel distances so I don't mind the mountain bike's lack of speed. If I can't make the commute, should I pick up the road bike anyways, seems like it's a decent price but if I never use it, I don't need it.
PS: I know logically, I most likely would be fine but I can't help be terrified of the idea. Is there someone with a similar route that can put me at ease? I mean it isn't the "worst" part of town, it's just a close 2nd in my mind... I'm not trying to troll either, not on purpose, maybe looking for a face punch telling me to not even consider the idea, or to tell me I should have been making the trip all this time