How to Find Cycle Routes
Need new cycle routes and don't know where to start?
Here's 10 pointers to get you started on the right track:
1. Think like a cyclist when looking for cycle routes.
When you start thinking like a cyclist, cycling routes will open out in front of you. Thinking like a car driver only keeps you to roads you know by car.
2. Start with getting to know your local park.
If you're new to finding bike routes, start with your local park. Here you'll get to know a few easy routes from which you can build out from.
3. Always work outwards from routes you already know.
Do you already know a route or lane that's used by cyclists? Always build on what you already know to be good, reliable bike runs.
4. Use an OS map with a dedicated bike route map.
Good standard maps with a lot of detail make route finding easier than using a dedicated bike map. Why? because a dedicated bike map can sometimes miss useful detail for small detours you might encounter on route, or paths that might be well suited to off road riding and you want to know where they go.
5. Ask for route recommendations down your bike shop.
This is the best advice to finding good routes - local cyclists in the main should fall over themselves to help you!
6. Have a look on the Internet for proposed routes.
There are a few very useful websites out there which can help you find local bike routes - normally recommended by other cyclists. Check out:
http://www.bikely.com and http://www.cycle-route.com
7. Measure your rides by time, not solely by distance.
When finding bike routes, try as far as possible to measure your routes by time so you have a reference point to build from. You can then add extra routes on top of this route and you'll then know exactly how long your routes will take....this becomes useful for commuting purposes when you need to get to your office on time!
8. Try to look for a variety of bike routes.
Look for a few bike rides, not just one so you keep your cycling interesting. It's easy to get very bored with one bike ride alone. If you're really stuck on finding a new cycle route, then a simple trick is to cycle your usual route in reverse! you'll be amazed how different it looks and rides!
9. Remember it'll take trial and error to get it right.
It can sometimes feel frustrating when a certain route you found on a map doesn't turn out to be a good cycle route. Don't get disheartened - you will find some great bike routes - it's very normal to hit dead-ends - but at least you are getting to know your local area which is half the fun of cycling!
10. Keep your eyes always open for possible new routes.
As you cycle along and get your new routes established, remember to keep your eyes open for new routes along the way. You'll be surprised at what new routes and short cuts open up when you get cycling!
Extra TIP: Always keep your eyes open for good tearooms on route. A good tearoom with a hot cup of tea and scones is part of great cycle rides...so treat yourself once in a while - you deserve it!
Happy bike route searching!
Here's 10 pointers to get you started on the right track:
1. Think like a cyclist when looking for cycle routes.
When you start thinking like a cyclist, cycling routes will open out in front of you. Thinking like a car driver only keeps you to roads you know by car.
2. Start with getting to know your local park.
If you're new to finding bike routes, start with your local park. Here you'll get to know a few easy routes from which you can build out from.
3. Always work outwards from routes you already know.
Do you already know a route or lane that's used by cyclists? Always build on what you already know to be good, reliable bike runs.
4. Use an OS map with a dedicated bike route map.
Good standard maps with a lot of detail make route finding easier than using a dedicated bike map. Why? because a dedicated bike map can sometimes miss useful detail for small detours you might encounter on route, or paths that might be well suited to off road riding and you want to know where they go.
5. Ask for route recommendations down your bike shop.
This is the best advice to finding good routes - local cyclists in the main should fall over themselves to help you!
6. Have a look on the Internet for proposed routes.
There are a few very useful websites out there which can help you find local bike routes - normally recommended by other cyclists. Check out:
http://www.bikely.com and http://www.cycle-route.com
7. Measure your rides by time, not solely by distance.
When finding bike routes, try as far as possible to measure your routes by time so you have a reference point to build from. You can then add extra routes on top of this route and you'll then know exactly how long your routes will take....this becomes useful for commuting purposes when you need to get to your office on time!
8. Try to look for a variety of bike routes.
Look for a few bike rides, not just one so you keep your cycling interesting. It's easy to get very bored with one bike ride alone. If you're really stuck on finding a new cycle route, then a simple trick is to cycle your usual route in reverse! you'll be amazed how different it looks and rides!
9. Remember it'll take trial and error to get it right.
It can sometimes feel frustrating when a certain route you found on a map doesn't turn out to be a good cycle route. Don't get disheartened - you will find some great bike routes - it's very normal to hit dead-ends - but at least you are getting to know your local area which is half the fun of cycling!
10. Keep your eyes always open for possible new routes.
As you cycle along and get your new routes established, remember to keep your eyes open for new routes along the way. You'll be surprised at what new routes and short cuts open up when you get cycling!
Extra TIP: Always keep your eyes open for good tearooms on route. A good tearoom with a hot cup of tea and scones is part of great cycle rides...so treat yourself once in a while - you deserve it!
Happy bike route searching!
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