Suggestions:
- Visit your local city and county websites for a bike map of your surrounding area. Your local Chamber of Commerce, city visitor center, or public library may also have biking information.
- Plan a bike route and map your trail with Google Maps biking directions to track and chart distances. Visit the Google Maps blog for more information.
- Drive or walk around these routes ahead of time to view the terrain from a safety perspective (bike lanes, street lighting, traffic intersections, off road paths, unforeseen natural or unnatural elements and potential obstacles like a road closure that may not be marked on a map).
- Be aware of and adhere to safety tips. A helmet is a must and should not be seen as an unnecessary or embarrassing accessory. This will save your life in an unexpected situation.
- American Automobile Association (AAA)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- National Safety Council (NSC)
- Pack your backpack and hit the road! Bring water, snacks, flashlight and a camera.
Transcend your transport thinking and add a comment below:
*Were you able to download or view a local bike map? If not, consider helping your city build one.
*How far did you go and how did you feel? Push it more or scale back as needed.
*Were there any unforeseen obstacles? Describe them.
*What did you pack and was there anything you'd pack for next time?
