Should i just start biking to work or take it slow?

I really want to start commuting to work (7 miles away, 14 miles/day). I have the afternoons to get out, exercise and build up to my 14 mi./day commute. I love riding but I come home not wanting to go out again because of the disgusting, obnoxious people honking their horns, I've encountered along my last ride. (Why do they honk I'm on the sidewalk!! I'm not going to stop peddling and give you my number because you honked at me.) This, and the crazy Florida weather, makes it very easy for me to stay in my cozy house. I know I just need to ignore those artless, ill-bred, foot-lickers but those thoughts bother me the whole time I'm preparing for my ride.

I think I could mange the ride, without any training, if I gave myself 2 hours to get there and 2 to get back. Are there any injuries I should worry about by doing this? I think once I saw that I can in fact bike to work without being kidnapped I would build a little courage.

Opinions? Suggestions? Comments? All are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Hello Elmoe,

There are hundreds of web sites that go over preparing to commute by bike in great detail. Thousands of people are doing it every day, and they have lots of knowledge to share. There are risks, of course, but there are also risks to sitting on your couch ;-) or in your car.

You'll want to prepare carefully. Seven miles, you'll find, is not any great distance at all, and you'll probably be able to do it in less than half an hour eventually. The biggest items you'll want to take care of are the preparation of your bicycle, your route (it might not be the same way you'd drive to work), and the details of how and when you'll clean up, where to store your bike and clothes, what you'll do when it rains (lots of people ride right through it), how you'll store important things like papers or your computer, and a handful of other things to think about. Start with a cursory look at the web, and you might even find some people in your area who can help you prepare. Of course I would always recommend checking with a good local bike shop. They should be able to answer at least some of your questions. Good luck and have fun out there!

well, is your work a suitable place for you to bike too? you might be sweaty or stinky or what if you fall or something on your way to work. also, account for flat bike tires or if it pops or somethin, bike tires can blow also lol. umm as for injuries you shoudl be good, your body will ache for a loong while till you adjust, your shoulders back and legs, just drink a lot of water and only water- well gatorade is good also. take it easy though you dont want to pull a muscle or anything, but you should be good and i think thats cool you'll really tone your body!

Many of the things you need to consider have already been covered.
I would suggest that you pre-ride the route on a Saturday. This will give you a proper perspective to danger areas and allow you to time yourself. You shouldn't have to ride too hard to make it there in far less than two hours.
What part of Florida? I work in West Palm Beach and live seven miles away. I'd love to ride to work but I need my truck during the day.
Would it be feasible for you to alternate between riding and driving? Are you anywhere near TriRail? Also, I've noticed that the city buses here have BOB, Bikes on Buses and they get used quite frequently. Maybe there are some similar options near where you live.