I live approx. 1 mile west of NW Skyline between Cornell and Thompson and work near OGI. The most direct commute route for me is via NW Cornell between NW 102nd and NW Amberglen Parkway. Heading west is usually not too bad, but I feel unsafe riding east through a couple stretches...
The first one is between 173rd and 158th, where it's high-traffic, poorly lit, and narrow with sketchy shoulder. It is currently under construction thus there are lots of debris and gravel on the ground. Trying to go straight (therefore merging left from far right) when most cars are turning right at 173rd doesn't help either.
The other stretch I dislike is east of Cedar Hills Blvd up to NW 107th Ave, where it's a unlit, narrow, and no shoulder uphill, and cars are going at least 45mph.
I had been taking
this route until
this close call almost a month ago. I have also tried
this route, which is much safer, but is almost 3 miles longer than taking Cornell. As the weather gets colder and rainier, I find myself braving Cornell more and more often.
I enjoy riding, but not so much in the cold and rain, therefore I'd like to find a shorter and relatively safe route home so I don't have to resort to MAX. Could you advise such route? Many thanks in advance!