Cycling home at night

[Yellow Fang]

I went to a birthday party last night. I got the train from Reading to Newbury and then cycled the last couple of miles to the hosts' house. I didn't know many people there, and TBH I was bored, so at 10pm I left to catch the train back. Not knowing the way very well, I arrived at the station just in time to see the train leave. My options were a) wait an hour for the next train, b) cycle home. Not wanting to wait an hour to board a train full of drunk people, I decided to cycle back, a journey of about eighteen miles. I only had a pair of LED cycle lamps, which are fine for being seen on well lit town roads, but not so good for seeing down dark country lanes. So which was the best route to cycle back:

1) The fast A road with traffic travelling up to 60mph, but which is well lit, or

2) Some parallel running country lanes. Not nearly so much traffic, but dark, with greater risks of hitting pot holes, running into wildlife and being dazzled by oncoming traffic.

 

[Dayvo]

So which was the best route to cycle back:

1) The fast A road with traffic travelling up to 60mph, but which is well lit, or

2) Some parallel running country lanes. Not nearly so much traffic, but dark, with greater risks of hitting pot holes, running into wildlife and being dazzled by oncoming traffic.

It's a trick question! I bet you took a taxi!

Nah, answer has to be the A road, IMO. Well-lit, and presumably not too busy and (AFAIK) a better surface. The B roads, as you say, are badly-lit with pot holes ready to snare you, plus the risk of encountering some drunken (old) boy racer. 18 miles should take about an hour or so, depending on how drun you were!

 

[Norm]

Newbury to Reading - I'd follow the Kennet & Avon as I usually do.

Of the two options, though, I'd have gone along the A4. Other than the bit just before Theale, it's not too bad for cycling and I think there's a few cameras through Thatcham etc.

 

[DCLane]

I'd take the main route; it's more likely that people are expecting cyclists.

 

[palinurus]

Unless I had a good headlight I'd take the A-road.

Otherwise I might take to the lanes if I felt like it. It's pleasant to ride along veering from one side of the road to the other while singing loudly, and late at night the conditions are perfect for it.

 

[MacB]

good lights B roads not so good lights A roads or even pavements if you need to.

Country roads are great but some cyclists are inconsiderate, we get some tosser cycling past our house late at night singing his head off

 

[Yellow Fang]

I wasn't drunk at all. The hosts were a pair of incredibly dedicated seriously crazy fitness fanatics and teatotal to boot. Most the other guests were either runners, possibly with a race the following day or had driven there, so I guessed it wasn't going to be a heavy drinking occasion. However, I was wearing quite a heavy coat because I was not intending to cycle home that night.

I took the country lane route, very tentatively, keeping my eyes skinned for potholes and badgers.

 

[palinurus]

It is quite possible to enjoy veering without drinking beforehand.

Down the lanes if it's a clear night with a good moon even regular commuter lights will do.

 

[marshmella]

I wasn't drunk at all. The hosts were a pair of incredibly dedicated seriously crazy fitness fanatics .

Sorry i thought you said it was a party

 

[Titan yer tummy]

Wait an hour in the local pub having a couple of beers and then get the later train.


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[Yellow Fang]

Newbury to Reading - I'd follow the Kennet & Avon as I usually do.

I didn't think about that, but I am not always very keen on NCN routes, and especially not that one. I bet even at 10pm on a Saturday night there'd be fishermen on the banks with their rods in the way.

 

[Yellow Fang]

Wait an hour in the local pub having a couple of beers and then get the later train.


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I considered that, but drinking alone in a pub on a Saturday night is not a very comfortable experience.

 

[Recycler]

Without good lights, definitely the fast A road for me. Safer and probably quicker, particularly at that time of night.

 

[HLaB]

I think it depends upon the busyness of the A road and your knowledge of the B roads. When I've had a similar dilemma cycling has been banned by bylaw on the A road anyway and I've had to go by back roads but my knowledge of them has been fine and I've just slowed to a pace where basic LEDs suffice. The only other time I've been in that situation an unlit back road went straight to my destination and the A roads were a lengthy detour, I chose the direct route but again I knew it well and adjusted my speed appropriately.

 

[growingvegetables]

Reasonable weather? Slowly and gingerly along the back roads.

Cr@p weather? Wait for next train.