Bicycle Commuting Guide
Route Planning
- Traffic Basics
- Lane Positioning
- Maneuvers
- Defensive Riding
- What To Do After A Collision
- Wisconsin Bike Laws
Route Planning
When
you drive, you probably take the same route to work every day, and it is
most likely the one used by all the other cars going your way. This may
not be the best bike route, but don't let that discourage you! There are often parallel streets that go through residential and lightly traveled commercial districts; using these will make bicycling both more enjoyable and safer.
Get
a copy of the Bicycle Route Map for the area you live in. (The "Madison
Bicycling Resource Guide & Route Map" is available free at libraries,
bike shops, and at the Madison Municipal Building, the "Bicycle
Milwaukee Route Guide" is available free at City Hall. Click on
the links for the online version.) Are there suggested routes already marked
from you home to your destination? You may be surprised at how easy the
ride is!If you see gaps in the suggested routes or do not see a route that is direct enough, try going out on the weekend or after work for an exploration. A leisurely ride through a new neighborhood will reveal alternate roads that may be perfect for your commute. Make sure to mark your map so you can remember those new discoveries!
| Effective Cycling® is a national curriculum that teaches bicyclists how to be safe, predictable and effective roadway users. The core course consists of nine hours of classroom and on-bike instruction, taught by nationally certified instructors. There are many EC instructors in Wisconsin. Call (608) 251-4456 for more information. |
Ask other bicyclists how they get from point A to point B; bicyclists love to share their knowledge of good rides and routes.
Plan where you will cross busy roads or other obstacles. Look for bike lanes, paths, traffic signals, or over- and underpasses, that will allow you to connect two parts of your route.
Don't assume that a road must be clear of traffic to be bikable. Bicyclists are operators of vehicles under Wisconsin State law, and can legally ride on all roads except limited access highways. A short stretch on a less desirable road may be all that is needed to get you between two easy pieces of your commute.
Get a bike buddy to ride with you so that you feel safer or are encouraged to ride. Go out on weekends or after work or have someone in your company or neighborhood ride with you on your daily commute.
The more comfortable you are riding in traffic, the more routes you will have available to you. Practice your safety skills and riding habits when you are not in a hurry so you will be ready to use them when needed.
Take a bicycle safety class such as Effective Cycling® so that you will feel more comfortable on your bike.
On to: Traffic Basics…
Back to: Safety
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