U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS)

[J.R.]

"We're building the largest official cycling route network in the world."

https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/us-bicycle-route-system/

Maps and route resources:

https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/us-bicycle-route-system/maps-and-route-resources/


USBRS Interactive Map

 

[PowerMe]

Funny you should post this, @J.R. I too have cycling maps on my mind. My pet peeve right now is this: google maps turning bicycling layer on and letting google calculate routes using the bicycle as the mode of transportation still routes a ride on roads that, while technically may be considered "bicycling friendly", the road is dangerous for cyclists and should not be used. Thus, google is not truly cycling friendly and it's not calculating the safest cycling route. There are various greenway paths that sometimes add 1 extra mile but could be the safest way for a cyclist to get from point A to point B. But google doesn't consider that.

My wish: a cycling app (that works on Android and on web) that will calculate the "safest" route for a cyclist, keeping the cyclist off of roads that do not have bike lanes. LaneSpotter, is an app that is on iPhone that will supposedly do this. They have an android version that has gotten 1 star reviews as it's terrible and a fraction of what the iphone app has (allegedly).

In looking at the roads in my area, I now realize I need to utilize the sidewalks on the busier streets (it's legal in my area for bikes to use sidewalks). I don't go faster than any cyclist would on a sidewalk. There's no reason for me to put my life in danger if there isn't a cycling lane available.

I don't have the desire to try and map out the 'safest' route possible because my geo area is a real mishmash of safe greenways and regular roads.

 

[J.R.]

@PowerMe The USBRS is designed more for the touring/adventure cyclist. Still a work in progress. I understand the problems with road riding, I live in a township with no bike lanes, mostly 40 to 55 mph country roads and no police department. Luckily much less traffic than urban and suburban areas, but what we do have is fast on roads with no shoulder and I've never seen a sidewalk here. Fortunately, we have many dirt roads where nobody drives fast. Those are the scenic byways.

 

[PowerMe]

The USBRS is designed more for the touring/adventure cyclist. Still a work in progress.

@J.R. Understood. Your post just happened to ping on my current focus about cycling maps and routing and safety. I literally had 3 different mapping sites up in tabs on my browser when I saw your post.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

I'm trying very hard to figure out what that map represents.

If you look at adventurecycling.org many of the "undeveloped corridors" are actually official ACA routes. And from direct experience on the ground I can't tell how the "ACA Northern Tier" route is more complete than the "ACA Pacific Coast" route.

Plus there are those two weird reddish-brown squiggles over northern WA that I doubt represent actual bicycle routes, fully developed or not.

 

[Robie]

Thanks JR way cool, will look into that.

 

[ebikemom]

Funny you should post this, @J.R. I too have cycling maps on my mind. My pet peeve right now is this: google maps turning bicycling layer on and letting google calculate routes using the bicycle as the mode of transportation still routes a ride on roads that, while technically may be considered "bicycling friendly", the road is dangerous for cyclists and should not be used. Thus, google is not truly cycling friendly and it's not calculating the safest cycling route. There are various greenway paths that sometimes add 1 extra mile but could be the safest way for a cyclist to get from point A to point B. But google doesn't consider that.

My wish: a cycling app (that works on Android and on web) that will calculate the "safest" route for a cyclist, keeping the cyclist off of roads that do not have bike lanes. LaneSpotter, is an app that is on iPhone that will supposedly do this. They have an android version that has gotten 1 star reviews as it's terrible and a fraction of what the iphone app has (allegedly).

In looking at the roads in my area, I now realize I need to utilize the sidewalks on the busier streets (it's legal in my area for bikes to use sidewalks). I don't go faster than any cyclist would on a sidewalk. There's no reason for me to put my life in danger if there isn't a cycling lane available.

I don't have the desire to try and map out the 'safest' route possible because my geo area is a real mishmash of safe greenways and regular roads.

I have the same frustration with Google Maps. But, I am learning the safer routes. Thanks for the tip on LaneSpotter--I have an iPhone and am loading it now. Will see how it does!!

 

[ebikemom]

I have the same frustration with Google Maps. But, I am learning the safer routes. Thanks for the tip on LakeSpotter--I have an iPhone and am loading it now. Will see how it does!!

I just tried LaneSpotter. I put in a destination I often go to, and I know various routes well, so I could judge the results. The route I usually take includes 8 miles of bike trail. LaneSpotter completely ignored the bike trail! So, I think it isn't of much value, even on the iPhone.

 

[J.R.]

The good news is people and organizations are trying to get it right.

The best app I've used for most outdoor activities is US Topo Maps. It does have a cycling overlay.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.atlogis.northamerica

There is a free version. To get the cycling function one must pay for the Pro version. For an app it's expensive at $12.99. I think it's worth it, I use it for more than cycling. In addition to the many accurate maps, it has a great customizable dashboard.