Detouring NYC
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
I don't recommend I-90 (MA Turnpike) for bike travel. Too many insane drivers as you approach Boston. Literally, if you drive under 75, you get tailgated. You can cross the Hudson on I-84, and come up through CT. I prefer old Route 6 or 44 between the Hartford area and southeastern MA. It's an easy ride to Boston from there. Secondary road the whole way. If you are not pressed for time, take a look on any decent map.
The Tappan Zee works great, too...but the approaches are dangerous for the same reasons as the MA turnpike. The Merritt is no prize, either, due to commuters sipping coffee and texting while they blast along a narrow road at 75. Take your pick, depending on your preferences. Good luck and stay safe.
The Tappan Zee works great, too...but the approaches are dangerous for the same reasons as the MA turnpike. The Merritt is no prize, either, due to commuters sipping coffee and texting while they blast along a narrow road at 75. Take your pick, depending on your preferences. Good luck and stay safe.
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
In my opinion, yes, because it is not a commuter route into NYC. You can pick up US 44 just north of Hartford, and head east across eastern CT, RI, and into MA. Then you can branch off onto a secondary road, depending on where in metro Boston you are heading.
Last time I drove 287 approaching/leaving the TZ bridge, I was thinking "I'm glad I am not on my bike!" The road surface was bad, construction in progress, and the traffic was insane. I don't shrink from highway traffic, but this was a whole different order of wild. High speeds, cell phones, and just plain inattentive driving. Not to mention the bridge toll, and the crosswinds on the Hudson. Unless there is a compelling reason for you to take this route, I suggest you go around.
Last time I drove 287 approaching/leaving the TZ bridge, I was thinking "I'm glad I am not on my bike!" The road surface was bad, construction in progress, and the traffic was insane. I don't shrink from highway traffic, but this was a whole different order of wild. High speeds, cell phones, and just plain inattentive driving. Not to mention the bridge toll, and the crosswinds on the Hudson. Unless there is a compelling reason for you to take this route, I suggest you go around.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
Leave early & go further west, than north into upstate NY, then through New England, and then south into Boston. Enjoy the ride, rather than fight the idiots who have to be "the 1st one to get there." Poconos is just as bad. Especially weekends. Poconos is where New Yorkers go for the weekends, and they think they're out in the country. They still drive like thy're in NY though.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 1
From: LI, NY
84 has much less traffic and better road surface. They are always repairing the Tappan Zee bridge and the traffic is a nightmare during rush hour.
Traffic is even a nightmare to get across the TZ returning to NYC or to get to Long Island on a Sunday with everyone returning from their weekend trips.
I don't know how you would go to get to 78/287 intersect. But once you are on 87 N you can go to US 6 east to Bear Mt bridge. Or continue up to 84 E to the Newburh Beacon bridge.
Usually don't hit much traffic until you hit the CT state line on 84. Can't say which I roads are better to ride in NE. And I don't know how important time is but google map and you can see a lot of secondary roads to take.
Go us 6 or US 44 through CT.
Take 6 or 84 to NY 22 N or US 7 N to US 20 or US 2 through MA. US 2 is still more rural then US 20.
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