To a large degree, the places you ride will be directly related to the type of bicycle and the type of riding you choose , be it road biking, mountain biking, etc. Within those general categories, there are a few things to consider as you select your route:
- How long will it take you to complete your ride?
- Are you comfortable with the conditions along this route : is the traffic heavy, are there designated bike lanes or adequate shoulder space, is the pavement in good condition?
- What conditions are you riding under: a re you riding at night, with a heavy load, crossing busy intersections?
- Are there many hills? Actually, if you are riding in Marin, you might as well accept the fact that there will be some hills, and just go where you need to go!
To a large degree, the places you ride will be directly related to the type of bicycle and the type of riding you choose, be it road biking, mountain biking, etc. Within those general categories, there are a few things to consider as you select your route:
- How long will it take you to complete your ride?
- Are you comfortable with the conditions along this route: is the traffic heavy, are there designated bike lanes or adequate shoulder space, is the pavement in good condition?
- What conditions are you riding under: are you riding at night, with a heavy load, crossing busy intersections?
- Are there many hills? Actually, if you are riding in Marin, you might as well accept the fact that there will be some hills, and just go where you need to go!
Beyond those basic considerations, your route will always offer occasional surprises, so flexibility and alertness are a must. Whatever your destination and type of bicycle you are riding, your experience and safety will be greatly enhanced if you equip yourself with basic knowledge:
A map is very helpful, especially in a geographically diverse place like Marin.
A thorough knowledge of safety, laws and regulations applicable to bicycles will help reduce your likelihood of experiencing unsafe riding situations and receiving traffic citations.
Basic familiarity with bicycle facilities is helpful, too. Almost certainly, you will utilize one of the following bicycle facilities:
- Paved Roads
- Bike Lanes (on paved roads)
- Bike Routes (on paved roads)
- Bike Path (paved and dirt – separate from roads)
- Multi-Use Path, for bicycles and pedestrians (paved and dirt – separate from roads)
- Fire roads
- Authorized Single-track (mountain-biking)
Bicycle Facility Classifications:
Class I Bike Path – A 10’-12’ pathway completely separate from motor vehicle facilities by a physical barrier and identified by signs and/or pavement markings.
Class II Bike Lane – A 5’-8’ lane located on the edge of a road and identified by BIKE LANE/BIKE ROUTE signing and special lines, or pavement markings.
Class III Bike Route - A bicycle facility identified by BIKE ROUTE guide signing only, where bicycle traffic shares the roadway with motor vehicles.
Bicycle facility classifications:
http://www.sjcog.org/sections/bicycles_peds
Click here for more information on selecting a route
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