Brian Casey: Bike Commuters Rise to Challenge

If you were asked to pick the San Francisco neighborhood most hospitable to bike commuting, the Sunset District might not land at the top of your list. Situated to the west of a formidable wall of hills, far from the downtown business district and subject to cold offshore winds and fog banks, the Sunset would seem to pose a challenge to even the hardiest of bike commuters.

But experienced Sunset riders know better. The hills are easily conquered by clever route selection, and the cooler temperatures are a blessing to those concerned about working up a sweat. Golden Gate Park is a treasure experienced every day for cyclists lucky enough to incorporate it into their ride. And, as for the distance from downtown, since when is spending more time on your bike a problem?

Tracey Quintero-Thornley has been living on 46th Avenue near Irving Street for the past 10 years. About four years ago she started commuting by bicycle to her graphics design firm at the foot of Market Street - a cross-town ride that took her about 45 minutes to complete. She recently moved her firm to the Richmond District and has shortened her bike commute to an all-too-brief 10-minute jaunt through Golden Gate Park.

Quintero-Thornley's favorite aspect of bike commuting is the opportunity for daily exercise. What she likes least is the traffic. Especially problematic on her cross-town ride was the Irving Street business corridor between 19th and 25th avenues, as were several points along Market Street.

Finding the safest route took some experimentation - she admits that she did "some wacky things" at first, like riding down Divisadero or Geary. But with the help of an experienced rider - her husband - she settled on a route that delivered her to her destination safely.

Shirley Yuen has been a Sunset resident for the past five years and lives at Taraval Street and 16th Avenue. She commutes to an office in Laurel Heights, a ride that takes her about 35 to 40 minutes.

Her favorite thing about bike commuting is not having to wait - for buses, traffic or anything else. And riding through the park is a great way to start the day, she says. She doesn't wear work clothes while riding, instead keeping them in panniers and changing at work. To save space, she leaves her shoes at work - four pairs, to go with any outfit.

Another Sunset bike commuter, Cliff Grey, has lived in the district all his life and currently resides at 34th Avenue and Lawton Street. He works an afternoon shift as a FedEx driver, which gives him lots of time to take the scenic route to work if he wants. Sometimes his commute takes him through the Presidio, Fisherman's Wharf and along the waterfront, culminating with lunch near Pacific Bell Park before he heads to the FedEx office on Harrison Street. He loves the freedom that bike commuting gives him - "It's like flying," he says.

His advice to bike commuters: Be aware of your surroundings, and don't get distracted. Be alert whenever you're near a car, and always expect the unexpected, especially at intersections.

If you are considering giving bicycling a whirl, a great time to try is Thursday, May 16 - Bike to Work Day. For details about Bike to Work Day, including where to pick up free snacks, bike maps and safety brochures at Energizer Stations, check out www.sfbike.org or call the SF Bicycle Coalition at 431-BIKE for more information.

A few other tips from veteran Sunset bike commuters:

Make Golden Gate Park and the Panhandle part of your commute, even if you have to go a few blocks out of your way. There's less traffic, and you'll be rewarded with some of the best scenery the City has to offer.

Page Street is a good east-west thoroughfare for many cyclists heading to and from downtown.

The Sunset is usually 5 - 10 degrees colder than downtown, and you'll work up internal body heat on the ride so dress in layers. A jacket that you can unzip and tie around your waist is better than a bulky cotton sweater.

Remember that your evening commute home will be 10 to 15 minutes longer than your morning ride, due to hills and prevailing winds out of the west.

Looking for a workout on your way home? Climb Twin Peaks! Climb the peaks or head down the back side of Twin Peaks on Clarendon Avenue to connect with Laguna Honda Boulevard and then Seventh Avenue. If you're lucky, you'll see koi or a rare egret at Laguna Honda.

Look out for sewer grates and steel road construction plates, especially in the rain.

As always, wear light clothing, mount lights on your bike when riding at night and don't ride dangerous Oak Street.

Brian Casey is a member of the SF Bicycle Coalition.