Stopped for winter

[LarryDuff]

That's me stopped commuting for the winter. It's just too dark at 6:30 when I would have to leave for work. My commute is dual carriageway for 2 miles which I don't enjoy in the light and then about 15 miles of unlit towpath.

Call me a wimp if you must but I am waiting for the Spring.

 

[ianrauk]

Not a wimp at all.
Is there no other route you can take?

 

[LarryDuff]

Not a wimp at all.
Is there no other route you can take?

That is the most direct and shortest route.

 

[ianrauk]

That is the most direct and shortest route.

My direct and short route is 12 miles. I do 21 everyday.....

 

[DCLane]

I do the short route (dual-carriageway) in and then alternative longer routes back.

From now until Easter it'll be the alternative well-lit single-carriageway route.

 

[Hip Priest]

I won't be calling you a wimp. Just do your own thing. I'll continue to commute, but my route is reasonably short and well-lit.

I'll be taking the train if the sheet ice returns. That's where I draw the line.

 

[gavroche]

You are very wise.

 

[Schneil]

Would the off-road bit be less daunting with a decent front light?
I have a magicshine mj-808e. It's very handy for lighting up thre Fallowfield loop at night and pretty reasonably priced

 

[MikeW-71]

2 miles of dual carriageway? Sod that in the dark. I don't blame you for not wanting to ride it.

I'll still be commuting, but I'm under street lights all the way, and only 5 miles.

 

[Cupra]

Is it less safe to ride in unlit roads? I thought unlit roads would give drivers a better chance of seeing a cyclist due to the bike lights?

I have been taking b roads because of this reason am I wrong?

 

[Rustybucket]

I dont mind riding on dual carriageways. Each to their own I guess.

I view it that cars have another lane to get in to overtake - as long as you can be seen - should be fine. (i'll probably get knocked off today now!!!)

 

[adds21]

Is it less safe to ride in unlit roads? I thought unlit roads would give drivers a better chance of seeing a cyclist due to the bike lights?

I have been taking b roads because of this reason am I wrong?

I prefer commuting in the winter for exactly this reason, but then again much of my commute is along unlit single tracks with high hedges either side.

 

[cd365]

Going to work when it is still light I get quite a few close overtakes, coming home at night in the pitch black down B roads all the overtakes have been good, but I am very well lit up.

 

[VamP]

I am not a huge fan of dual carriageways, but well lit up at night I think you're safer than in daylight. It does seem very early to be packing up for winter, but it's your choice.

My shortest commute is 24 miles, but I tend to stretch that most days, and if you can find a way to avoid the dual carriageway I would encourage you to do so. You will feel the fitness benefits.

 

[AndyRM]

It's not winter yet...