FC wrote >the dreaded Pinelands section ?? I often ride to work in Pinelands (from Kenwyn) and the biggest problems I've encountered have been everywhere BUT Pinelands. I think you may be referring to Alexandra Rd, running past Maitland Garden Village and Vincent Pallotti. Nothing particularly worrying there. And the short hop from Pinelands along Raapenburg Rd is fine, but remember to keep checking over your right shoulder as you get to the M5, even if -- make that particularly if -- you ride in the bike lane. I was nearly taken out there by a turning car whose driver decided that I wasn't going left to Red Cross after all. In my view the worst part of your ride will be the bit of the M5 between Rugby and Maitland. I've ridden Paarden Eiland-Pinelands during rush hour and it's hairy. In fact it's hairy most times. Positive points to be gained from all the above: you'll be riding past provincial ambulance HQ, with a choice of two hospitals (if you talk in a high-pitched voice you might sneak into Red Cross).
