Due to some unforseen circumstances, bike commuting to work seems to be my only sustainable option for the next several months. However, my route is pretty long and more importantly, the shortest path by far is along a major road. I’m going from Shrewsbury MA to Westborough MA, and the road is route 9. Does this seem like a reasonable path to take if I stick to the shoulder lane? I’m not really sure how else to approach it. I’m not trying to turn this into an hour long trip. I should also mention that I’ve got a high powered e-bike.
Commute starts around 578 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury and ends at Computer Drive, Westborough.
by redditnessdude
12 Comments
There are plenty of secondary roads to the west of the highway…..
Plugging that into Google maps for biking gives a more reasonable route of 11 miles. Which on a high powered e bike like you say is really nothing out of the ordinary. You wouldn’t catch me riding on route 9
>I should also mention that I’ve got a high powered e-bike.
Electric motorcycle, got it.
Have you tried Google maps?
You have a “high powered e bike” and it’s only 11 miles… What are you worried about? Get out there. Wear a helmet, be visible, have good lights at night. If the main road sketches you out, just piece together side streets. It won’t take that much longer, and you’re not even having to put that much effort in.
Also, did you bother trying google maps? It has good suggestions. Only takes 30 mins on a non e-bike.
https://i.imgur.com/j9tO8UF.png
just my experiences… unless you got the “local knowledge,” you really need a topographical map to decide any route. in my time, things that looked short were so long due to the up/down hills that it was better to go 2x the distance. cars DGAF
Don’t bike on Rte 9. Take a different route even if it’s further. 11 miles will be okay. I do 8 miles each way on a class 2 eBike, and could easily do more.
Ok my advice and thoughts are:
1. This is much less distance than it seems to you, especially with an e bike. It’s gonna be fine. It’s very achievable and there’s no reason to worry.
2. Don’t go on route 9 at first. Try what google maps suggests for biking before you try that.
3. Bike the route for practice to scope it out.
4. I think it’s gonna take you more like 35 minutes.
5. 35 minutes on a bike will feel like no time at all.
6. The most important thing is to make sure you are visible to cats. I would just run my lights all the time and get some reflectors, reflective tape, or a vest
7. Get a helmet if you don’t have one
8. You need serious rain gear. For this route that might be a nice rain jacket and rain pants + waterproof shoes of some kind (alternatively you can get a bicycle rain cape but idk if that will appeal to you)
9. Consider studded tires once it gets to actually be winter.
By the way, make sure you carry the necessary tools and patch kit to fix a flat tire and make sure you understand how to do this with your new ebike. Most of the time you won’t need it but imagine how much it would suck to get stranded halfway between home and work. 🙁
Avoid Route 9 at all costs on a bike. Even with an e-bike, you’re gonna be miserable. Instead, take:
* Memorial Drive
* Left on Gold Street
* Right on Cherry Street, which turns into Centech Blvd
* Left onto Westboro Road, which turns into Nourse Street, which turns into West Main Street
* Around the rotary in Westborough to get to East Main Street
* Right on Lyons Street
* Finally, left on Computer Drive
Total distance is 10.13 miles. With a “high-powered” e-bike, you would be there in less than 45 minutes. Just taking Rt. 9 is 7.5 miles. I would definitely definitely take the 2.5 extra miles to make a safer, more enjoyable ride.
Like others have said, start with Google Maps bike routing. If there are sections you don’t like, find a bypass for your next ride. Get yourself a thin balaclava, pogies (bar mitts), and goggles. You can bundle up on the ebike but don’t overdo it cuz you will warm up a bit as you’re riding. Also get the best Kryptonite u lock and/or chain you can afford, unless you can bring your bike inside at work. Make sure you have decent front and rear lights. It sounds like a lot but it’s perfectly manageable and honestly enjoyable once you get the hang of it. Don’t get discouraged, you got this!
I’m a fairly strong cyclist on an acoustic bike and I would not ride Rt. 9
There are Share The Road signs along Rt. 9, like in Framingham, but holy fuck no I would not ride there. Nor on this segment. Maybe on a lark, if I were diagnosed with terminal cancer or something.
I just started a 10 mile commute in e-bike having never bike commuted before, it’s completely within reason to bike 11 miles.
I will also add that my ride takes less time than maps would suggest. It’s basing the bike route timing off standard bikes. My ride takes about 5 minutes longer than my drive did in the morning. 5 minutes less in the evening.