I am seriously considering relo'ing to Phoenix area for a position. It wouldn't be full up-root from Cali, but I would live there 80% of the time.

I currently commute on my bike about 90% of the time in Cali. Number 1 reason why is because of lane-splitting. It don't enjoy it but saves me good solid hour per day.

I got a couple questions:

1) Not being able to lane-split, still a time saver being on a bike vs. driving?
2) Heat....how the in hell do you guys manage it? I was just there this past week for work, 115 degrees...hot damn!!! And June just started.

Also, whats Goodyear like? Seems cheap and nice, but a bit far from Tempe, where I would need to go everyday.

I prefer to be on the west side of Phoenix, so I can just jump on the 10 to get to Cali just a little bit fast when I have to.

 

I live in Goodyear, and love it. Nice community, close to I-10, and everything you need as far as restaurants/shopping/ brewery's.

Commuting from Goodyear to Tempe you will be in rush hour both ways, but when I ride my bike, I'm always in the carpool lane, so never really get stuck in the traffic more that a few slow downs. But yes, riding a bike in the carpool lane will save a lot of time.

As far as the heat, ya it's oppressive , but you'll live. LOTS and LOTS of water, cooling vest, and swimming pools

 

An instructive map of the solar system relative to Arizona:

 

I miss lane splitting, but it isn't a tremendous time-saver here like it is in Cali. It would still be great during rush hour, though.

The heat, yeah, stay hydrated. Full-face helmet helps a lot, anything you can use to deflect hot air from your skin. It's like riding into a blast furnace. Not so bad once you get moving, but sitting at a stop light sucks *****.

 

I work nights and stop commuting on bike around this time every year. I just can't show up at work a sweaty pig. I have a 40 min trip straight into afternoon sun...

 

Buy a car with air conditioning. And get a place on the east side.

 

I wear a mesh jacket, summer gloves, full face that open in front, breathable boots. It was 120* yesterday. I live 2.5 miles from work and i get there around 7 am so not sweaty but after that im sweating. I'm not the only nut in Bullhead City that rides in the summer but it does require proper hydration and start before leaving the house. Heat stroke can be avoided by not waiting to feel like you need to drink water but staying ahead of the curve.

 

Forgot this. Don't wait 'til you're thirsty. Unless you're pissing clear water, drink more.

 

Thanks for all the replies. If I do this, I may have to take it a little slow and easy in beginning. 120 degrees is no joke!!!

Where I'm looking to live, I'll be about 30 miles away from work.

 

I live in San Diego and have friend near Phoenix. Love riding and camping there - high country Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff. Recreation in Tonto Natl Forest. My favorite is along the Mongolian Rim. But not in summer heat. Great rest of year. Commuting from Goodyear to Tempe through main artery of Phoenic in even a car would be my concern. Most drivers are relocated Southern Californians. Advise east side closer to Tempe. Gilbert is my favorite.