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Right-turns must yield to bikes (c) David Fiedler Tools To Help Identify Good Biking RoutesSuggested ReadingRide Safely in TrafficChoose Appropriate RoutesLets face it. There are some roads that are just not suitable for bicycles. Heavy, high-speed traffic on roads with no shoulders are the most common things that will make for unsafe or unpleasant riding.But there are many other routes that are great for cyclists precisely because they are crummy places for a car to go fast. You may not have even considered them to ride your bike, simply because they are not on your radar as a driver. For a fun ride or as a potentially sweet route to work or school, look for the less traveled roads that usually parallel main thoroughfares and interstate highways. These probably go through residential neighborhoods, and/or have a lot of stops. Not ideal for a driver in a hurry, but heaven for a person on a bike. Mapquest and GoogleEarth are invaluable tools for charting your route and exploring new ones. Takin' It To The StreetsSo, if youve not tried riding beyond the bike path, now may be the time to give it a whirl. Believe it or not and statistics bear this out riding on the street is a whole lot safer than a bike path because youre typically not dodging kids and dogs and roller-bladers. Plus, its a great way to discover some awesome places to ride and a new fun way to explore the neighborhoods around you.Tools To Help Identify Good Biking RoutesSuggested Reading |
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