How To Plan A Bike Commute Route

Commuting to work on your bike has numerous benefits. It saves you money on gas and car maintenance while giving you a boost of energy to start your day. The buffer time it provides is crucial for both your body and mind. However, starting to bike to work can be intimidating. So how to plan a bike commute route?

Planning a great bike route for your commute is the key to sticking with it. Finding the perfect route may take some effort, but once you do, you’ll love it. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting your route. Also, there are a few tools available to make the process easier.

Finding Safest Streets For Your Bike Commute

Safety is the top priority when selecting a bike commute route. Separation from cars ensures a safer ride, especially during rush hour when everyone is commuting. While you may have to ride on a street with cars at some point, choose quieter streets where drivers expect to see cyclists and other road users. Smooth pavement and scenic views are nice bonuses, but a safe route should be the main focus.

Your bike commute route will likely go from a residential area to an urban area. Both areas present their own challenges. Residential areas may have quiet streets, but connecting roads may be high-speed. Urban areas may have more pedestrian and bicycle traffic, but may also be more congested. Consider these factors when making your route decision.

Optimal Time for Your Bicycle Commute

It’s important to plan for low-light conditions during your bike commute. To stay safe, you need to be visible to other road users. Use lights on your bike and wear reflective clothing. Street lights provide some illumination, but also consider turns and intersections where you might surprise drivers and vice versa. Keep in mind the position of the sun. If you’re riding towards the sun, it may be difficult for drivers behind you to see you and for you to see oncoming cars and bikes. Aim to avoid direct sun exposure during your commute.

The Combo Commute with a Bike

If your house is too far away or road conditions are unfavorable for a direct bike commute, consider a combination of modes. Use your car, bus, or train to reach a better starting point. This way, you can start your bike commute from a safer location and avoid heavy traffic. This strategy is common when the initial part of the commute takes you to a quiet bike path, but traffic increases as you near your destination.

Read Also: How to Install Bicycle Computer and GPS

Tools for Planning A Bike Route For Your Commute

Finding a great bike commute route may not be as straightforward as you think. But, don’t worry! There are useful tools and strategies to help you find the perfect route.

1. Experiment

If you’re familiar with the area and have the confidence, experiment with different bike commute routes. It’s best to try them out on a day off so you have the time to find the best streets without the pressure of being late for work.

2. Scout the Route

If part of your route will be on roads instead of bike paths, you can check it out in a car to see if you feel comfortable riding there. This way, you can also explore alternative streets that may be better for cycling.

3. Talk With Other Commuters

Connect with your community to gather valuable insights on bike commuting. Talk to your neighbors, coworkers, and others in your work area who bike to work. Their experiences can help shape your own bike commute and make it even better.

4. Google Bike Maps

Google bike maps can provide you with a safe route for cycling, but it’s always best to double check the route. The algorithm may take you through a challenging intersection or a busy road. Use Google bike maps together with the advice of other people and street view to get a better understanding of the actual route. When you’re starting out, take your time to explore the area and figure out the best way to get to your destination. At intersections, stop and decide which way to go next. It may be time-consuming at first, but once you have the route memorized, you won’t have to stop on future rides.

5. Strava Heat Maps

Strava heat maps show you where cyclists like to ride the most. The brighter the street, the more cyclists who have ridden there. These maps are self-selecting. Some people may ride on busy or unsafe roads, but most riders prefer safe streets. If you want to find safe, popular routes, Strava heat maps are one of the best tools you can use.

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To Sum Up

Planning your bike route for commuting can have many benefits. It keeps you out of your car and lets you enjoy a happy and safe ride. Plus, it transforms your daily routine. By avoiding traffic frustration, you get more time to spend on your bike.

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