Bicycle Network: New commuter
Plan my route
The route you take to work can make a big difference to your experience. Ask an experienced rider in your workplace or who lives near you for tips and advice for what makes the best route
The most direct route may not necessarily be the best route. You may consider riding around a hill instead of straight up it. Quiet back streets may require more stopping and starting, but you may find them preferable to main roads. And of course, being on a bicycle allows you to make use of off-street bike paths, and small 'short cuts' not available when you are driving a car.
Indeed, many experienced commuters sometimes find driving the car frustrating as they can't use their regular, quick, cycling routes.
Many people also alter their routes depending upon the time of day, the weather and even the direction of travel. (Sometimes, the return route will vary from the initial route quite markedly, depending upon intersections etc).
If your commute is too far - part way is OK. You could drive in part-way, park, and then swap to the bike. Or, you could ride to your local train station - many of which have secure parking facilities (eg: Victoria's Parkiteer Cages - and here's a poster).
Online map and route assisstance
- maps.google.com.au - Available for some time in the USA, when you choose 'Get Directions' you can now also pick a bike as your preferred method of getting around. Makes use of designated bike paths and lanes. It's currently only 'beta', but does allow people to provide feedback on suggested routes, and you can 'drag' the route to change it and to better suit your preferences.
- Ride the City - Presently available for Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Newcastle, Brisbane and Adelaide. Select your city, origin, destination and away you go. Choose between the safest or most direct route.
- mytrails.com.au - An Australian-based facility with some great features
- bikely.com - This one has been around for some time, and therefore has a very large number of rides and routes loaded onto it. Use locations as keywords to search on routes people have uploaded.
Victorian TravelSmart Maps
- TravelSmart maps are an excellent paper bicycle map for your local council area.
Visit your state/territory cycling organisation for more information on bike riding in your area.
 |
|
 |
Bicycle NT |
 |
bicycle NSW |
 |
Bicycle Qld |
 |
bicycleSA |
 |
CyclingSouth (Tas) |
 |
Bicycle Network Victoria |