Update on commuting the Tyne

[Little Rach]

So some of you will know I recently purchased a commuter bicycle so that I could start cycling to work from Ryton into Newcastle. Thanks to some folks on here I managed to sort out my route relatively easily. It is 7.65 miles each way and I am able to pretty much stay clear of actual roads almost all the way except for crossing Scotswood Road and cycling up St James' Boulevard which I have decided is much easier than dodging pedestrians on the dual purpose pavement. To begin with I was very cautious at road crossings but I understand the traffic flow a bit better now so these are not slowing me down as much. The cycleways are well looked after on the whole but some of the paths are quite bumpy or have issues with tree roots under the tarmac. The only particularly rough bit of my route is at the end of Newburn Industrial Estate where it turns into the Riverside cycleway. My time improved dramatically when I decided to put my seat up a bit higher and my legs feel a lot more comfortable for it. A nice fellow commuter slowed down to exchange a few words the other day which was appreciated. Really enjoying it so far - need to do it at least 90 times to save enough on bus fares to cover the cost of the bike - so we'll see if I achieve that before the end of the summer.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

So some of you will know I recently purchased a commuter bicycle so that I could start cycling to work from Ryton into Newcastle. Thanks to some folks on here I managed to sort out my route relatively easily. It is 7.65 miles each way and I am able to pretty much stay clear of actual roads almost all the way except for crossing Scotswood Road and cycling up St James' Boulevard which I have decided is much easier than dodging pedestrians on the dual purpose pavement. To begin with I was very cautious at road crossings but I understand the traffic flow a bit better now so these are not slowing me down as much. The cycleways are well looked after on the whole but some of the paths are quite bumpy or have issues with tree roots under the tarmac. The only particularly rough bit of my route is at the end of Newburn Industrial Estate where it turns into the Riverside cycleway. My time improved dramatically when I decided to put my seat up a bit higher and my legs feel a lot more comfortable for it. A nice fellow commuter slowed down to exchange a few words the other day which was appreciated. Really enjoying it so far - need to do it at least 90 times to save enough on bus fares to cover the cost of the bike - so we'll see if I achieve that before the end of the summer.

Good on yer! I'm old enough for free bus rides but the bike is more own-steam, exercise and reliable. You might have not wanted to set out some mornings, but have you ever envied the people at the bus stops once you've got going?

 

[Angry Blonde]

Keep it up like, and dont worry about times, dont look at it as a commute, look at it as a lesuire ride and enjoy it ! Dont make it a chore like or youll not enjoy it !

Be waarm soon like which always makes it better

 

[MisterStan]

Well done you! 90 times over the year balances out to less than twice a week.

 

[Pale Rider]

Extra care is needed at one of the cycle path crossings of Scotswood Road.

There are traffic lights for a road junction, then a few metres along the road, separate traffic lights for the cycle path/pedestrian crossing.

The problem is drivers see green for the road junction, but don't see red for the cycle path junction, presumably because the lights are too close together.

I'm not along there very often, but I've seen two drivers sail through the cycle path lights, clearly unaware they are there.

 

[puffinbilly]

Thanks for the update @Little Rach good to know that you're enjoying it. I'm often on that path after coming along the quayside - have to agree the bit at end of the industrial estate is a disgrace and floods at the slightest rainfall and then there's a little signed detour through the trees, not good for a national cyclepath.
As you cycle more it'll become just a little bit addictive and you'll find yourself taking the longer route via Hexham on the longer summer evenings.......

 

[Little Rach]

Keep it up like, and dont worry about times, dont look at it as a commute, look at it as a lesuire ride and enjoy it ! Dont make it a chore like or youll not enjoy it !

Be waarm soon like which always makes it better

Thanks for the update @Little Rach good to know that you're enjoying it. I'm often on that path after coming along the quayside - have to agree the bit at end of the industrial estate is a disgrace and floods at the slightest rainfall and then there's a little signed detour through the trees, not good for a national cyclepath.
As you cycle more it'll become just a little bit addictive and you'll find yourself taking the longer route via Hexham on the longer summer evenings.......

Well - it's true - I'm already thinking about cycling over to see my folks in Cumbria one weekend and cycling back on the Sunday. Not sure my commuter bike would be the best thing for that though!!

 

[Little Rach]

Extra care is needed at one of the cycle path crossings of Scotswood Road.

There are traffic lights for a road junction, then a few metres along the road, separate traffic lights for the cycle path/pedestrian crossing.

The problem is drivers see green for the road junction, but don't see red for the cycle path junction, presumably because the lights are too close together.

I'm not along there very often, but I've seen two drivers sail through the cycle path lights, clearly unaware they are there.

I'll have to watch out for that. I do always try to achieve eye contact with drivers to ensure they've spotted me but you never know I guess.