I have officed in Las Colinas for about two years. Before then the B. H. Carroll Theological Institute offices were in downtown Arlington. Living in Plano, I assumed I could never commute on my bike to work. The distance and with city streets 99% of the way, it would be too risky and the traffic would be horrendous at rush hours.
Thanks to my friend, Jeff Holder, who cycles to his office frequently, I experienced a relatively safe route to work on my bike; 100% pedaling with no public transit assistance.
My ride to the office (minus the ride from my house to where I met Jeff) began at 0500 at my house. I have a Urban500 bike headlight, and it worked well. Only drawback was it has a 1.5 hour rechargeable battery that lasted until daylight but would not be helpful beyond that time limit.
Traffic was light (surprise!) until we got close to the Valley View/635 interchange about 0645 or so. But even then Jeff had steered the path through parking lots and less-traveled roads to get me to my office.
Jeff has showers and lockers at his office. I don't. It was a relatively cool day so a spit bath and change of clothes in the restroom sufficed. I had several meetings at the Carroll Center that day and no one asked, "What's that smell?" I guess I was fine. However, carrying a change of clothes and shoes in a backpack does add to the weight and heat of the ride. I've got to figure that one out. Any suggestions?
My ride home was solo. I had to leave the office earlier than Jeff to make a dinner appointment. I was able to retrace my tracks by memory. (My cycling friends would be surprised that is possible, since I tend to get lost on trips I lead with them.) Traffic did not get bad until the last legs in Plano. Only one jerk needed to let me know I was not welcome on his street.
I will commute to work again on my bike. It may be when the temps go below 90 again, but it is possible to safely commute on a bike from Plano to Las Colinas. If you have any other routes or ideas, let me know...and, I'll see you on the road!
Thanks to my friend, Jeff Holder, who cycles to his office frequently, I experienced a relatively safe route to work on my bike; 100% pedaling with no public transit assistance.
My ride to the office (minus the ride from my house to where I met Jeff) began at 0500 at my house. I have a Urban500 bike headlight, and it worked well. Only drawback was it has a 1.5 hour rechargeable battery that lasted until daylight but would not be helpful beyond that time limit.
Traffic was light (surprise!) until we got close to the Valley View/635 interchange about 0645 or so. But even then Jeff had steered the path through parking lots and less-traveled roads to get me to my office.
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| My Route to the Office from Plano to Las Colinas |
My ride home was solo. I had to leave the office earlier than Jeff to make a dinner appointment. I was able to retrace my tracks by memory. (My cycling friends would be surprised that is possible, since I tend to get lost on trips I lead with them.) Traffic did not get bad until the last legs in Plano. Only one jerk needed to let me know I was not welcome on his street.
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| My Route Home from Plano to Las Colinas |
I will commute to work again on my bike. It may be when the temps go below 90 again, but it is possible to safely commute on a bike from Plano to Las Colinas. If you have any other routes or ideas, let me know...and, I'll see you on the road!