There is no doubt, the traffic situation in, and around
Atlanta is truly an Emergency.
Let me start by saying, I am truly impressed with what is
being done to repair the damaged section of I-85. Immediately after the bridge collapsed we heard that it
would take six to nine months to get this thing fixed. Now we are hearing that the project may
be finished by mid to late May!
That’s incredible. But…
We will still have to face a 24/7 traffic catastrophe for
more than a month. I’m writing
this Special Edition with the hope that some of the following suggestions may help deal with the situation.
A lot of the following will concern cycling as a means to
deal with Atlanta’s current transportation problem. Some things will be useful to anyone, with or without a bike.
THE BICYCLE AS A PART
OF THE SOLUTION:
We’re hearing a lot of “advice” from the powers that
be. Carpool, they say. Use “transit,” they say. Allow more time (a lot more time!) to get to destinations, they say. If you can, telework, they say. Avoid regular routes and consider
recommended alternatives, they say.
All of these are good ideas, but they overlook some things, and there
are problems with some of these.
One thing I haven’t heard, is that the BICYCLE is a really sound alternative!
Atlanta is just not
that big! From Turner Field to
the intersection of West Paces Ferry and Peachtree is just a bit over seven miles. From the
intersection of Marietta Blvd and Bankhead to Avovndale Estates in Decatur is
a bit over nine miles.
And those distances do not represent the most efficient
routing. These are well within the
power of a modest effort on a bicycle.
Cycling inside the
metro requires some attention and caution, but it is quite doable. Automotive traffic gets in its own way,
and slows or stops the cars. It’s
fairly easy to move around and through this on the bike.
THE BIG PROBLEM IS
GETTING TO THE CITY AND AROUND IN IT.
Here are the elements of the solutions:
- · Bicycles are allowed on MARTA trains.
- · MARTA busses all have racks that will carry two bicycles.
- · There are racks for locking bikes at the train stations.
- · MARTA bus lines extend down into Riverdale and Newnan.
- · Bus routes interconnect with the train stations.
Parking at the MARTA
train stations is a part of the problem. The MARTA lots are filling early in the day.
STRATEGIES FOR MULTI-MODE COMMUTING
Strategy One: Bike-Train
If you live within convenient bike distance to one of the
train stations, your problem is solved!
Just ride there, lock your bike and take the ttrain.
Stategy Two: Bike-Train-Bike
If your in-town destination is not a convenient walking
distance from a MARTA train station, take the bike with you on the train. Then train into the city, and ride to
your destination.
Strategy Three: Bike-Bus-Train
A lot of us live an inconvenient distance from any MARTA line and even farther from the
train stations. So ride the bike
to the bus route. Take the bus, with your bike. (Load the bike on the rack on the front
of the bus. Remember to tell the driver you are unloading your bike when you
get off the bus!) The bus will
take you to the train station. You
can then either lock your bike there, or take it on the train into the city.
Strategy Four:
Car-Bike-Bus-Train
Some (many) of us live an uncomfortable distance from any MARTA component. Load the bike on the car. Drive to some relatively secure parking
location and park. Unload the bike
and ride it to the bus stop. From
there on, it’s the same as Strategy
Three.
TACTICS FOR MULTIMODE
COMMUTERS
Securing your ride: Do not
use a fancy bike. A reliable
“beater” and a heavy lock are the best solution. It actually helps
if the bike is stone ugly. Don’t skimp on the lock, and do learn how to lock your bike securely. (We’re happy to discuss this with you in the shop.)
Clothing Changes: The weather is clement right now, but
it could turn wet or hot in an instant.
Dress for your commute, not
your workday or meeting, or whatever.
Pack a change of clothing in a waterproof bag or backpack. Change when you get into town.
Advanced Commuting
Tactic for Clothing: Make a
“laundry run.” Drive in on one day of the week, taking clothing for
your week. On that same day bring
the laundry and cleaning from the last week home. This frees you up on the other days of the week. (You could even make the “laundry run” on a weekend day.)
Dealing With the
Funk: If you have access to
shower facilities, at a gym, health club, or the office, you are a happy
person. Many of us don’t have that
luxury. Here’s how to cope.
Purchase a pistol-grip spary bottle from Lowes or Home Depot. Fill it with the following “Shower in A Bottle” recipe.
·
Eight parts water
·
One part liquid body soap
·
One part clear vinegar
·
(Be sure to pack a towel!)
Shake well before using. Once you arrive near your destination, use a restroom. Peel your ride clothing off. Spray the magic stuff on. Use your towel to scrub and dry. Then apply deodorant / antiperspirant/cologne
to your personal taste.
(HINT: Add one part of
either rubbing alcohol or witch hazel for an astringent cooling effect.)
Making the Most of
the Time: Use a backpack,
bike-pack, or bag that has a laptop sleeve. Carry your tablet or laptop with you. You can do work, or read the news
whilst sitting on the bus or train and letting someone else do the driving.
HINTS:
It’s a very good idea to practice
your commute route before you “go
live.”
Ride the bike parts on an off-day, weekend, or the like.
Make a “trial run” into town via the MARTA System.
Do some research on MARTA’s website. Learn the routes you will need, and get
the details on taking your bike on the bus and/or train.
Perhaps using the transit system will be sufficient for
you. If so well and good! You are no longer part of the
problem. For many, some variation
of bike and transit will likely provide a shorter commute, and most certainly a
more consistent one. You will know how long it takes t get to your destination, and the stress
will be greatly reduced. Also, you will be taking another car
out of the mix. Who knows? Maybe you will grow to like this stuff.
Be wise and safe in your travels,
