I find myself a creature of habit on my daily commute. I’ve crafted my route in an ad hoc fashion over four years by trying to identify the shortest route and avoiding conflict points and steep slopes.  I’ve tested more official ‘bike-routes’ like the Haslett Street bridge but in all cases I haven’t been convinced to use them.The cases where I have changed my route have all been based on either recommendation or observation. Here are a couple of the changes that I have implemented.
Great North RoadÂ
I picked up this small route change by observing a fellow cyclist. At rush hour the intersection of Great North Rd and Ponsonby Road is a nightmare. There is no room for cyclists and the footpath is way to crowded and narrow to consider using it… This suggested route bypasses the mayhem; but beware, it forces riding against traffic. I wish I had learned this route earlier.
Great North Rd shortcut
Frankling Rd Alternative Out of the CBD
I work in Freeman Bays. A co-worker recommended this route as an alternative to taking Franklin Rd back uphilll–>Union->Pitt-> K Rd. Again, this route goes against traffic for a spell and I use the wide footpath some of the way; it is much easier than climbing Franklin Rd.
Franklin Road outbound alternative
I share these shortcuts to illustrate the value of shared information in relation to both route planning and wider network planning. I am lucky to have been able to copy other riders and to have received good advice. What about newbies? How can we provide better information and support to new riders? Also, how can we share advice when venturing into unknown territory?One tool that I find very interesting is an I-phone app being promoted by Bike Victoria. Once started it logs your route, but I’m not sure how the data is collected and shared. I see tools like this being very valuable for not only informing riders of routes to consider but to get an overall impression of what streets cyclists actually use. This information could then be used to inform network design by identifying barriers (which cyclists understandably avoid), locating preferred natural desire lines and providing a good indication of overall demand.
Bike Victoria Ride Tracking App
At the last Bike-to-Work day I suggested to the organisers that they set up a map where people could mark their commute route. They didn’t seem too interested. I know Map My Ride has some similar capabilities but for now it seems like more of a roadie recreational tool. Are there any other resources out there that people are using to get around the city? Are there any shortcuts or recommended routes that you can share?
Beware of nothing. There is no need to apologise. Cycling against the flow of traffic (contra flow) should be encouraged. Cities with high rates of cycling promote it. It should be a legitimate option. Make cycling easier is what is needed.
this is the text of a route planning guide for new commuter cyclists that I put together for BikeNow, if anyone wants to use it, please contact me
ROUTE PLANNING FOR SAFE AND HAPPY RIDES
This guide is to give you some tips for planning your cycling route. It’s a starting point to help you to explore possibilities on your bike and to discover the hidden delights of cycle commuting.
Begin with a map. A fold out sheet map might be a better bet than a map book as it gives you a broader view of the available alternatives. Your city or regional council might publish a bike map showing bike lanes and routes and the internet is a great source of information.
As a starting point, consider your current route to work. Many commuter websites don’t advise this approach, but it has the great advantage that you know it, you know where the queues are, where the traffic is fast and where the tricky bits are.
Of course, it all looks different from the seat of a bike and if your regular commute includes motorway, you’ll need to find an alternative because bikes are banned from motorways.
Think about the difficulties on your commute, look at the maps and consider:
· is there a bike lane or bike path through to bypass these areas?
· is there a parallel road that is quieter? it may have speed bumps to slow cars
· is there a safe place to cross a busy road?
· can a parallel route take you around a steep hill?
· there may be a park you can bike through (please be considerate to pedestrians), your map should show paths and tracks in city parks that might provide a quick and pleasant route
· think about things that might “add value†to your ride, for example you may be able to stop at a favourite deli on the way home, even if there’s no parking in the peak
· is there an overpass or underpass to cross over a motorway or railway line?
Plan a route that includes a bike shop, it’s handy when you need an inner tube or brake blocks or want your gears adjusted. Ask other cyclists or walkers how they get to work, they may have good advice or suggest routes you haven’t thought about.
Remember that a bike is legally a road vehicle and it’s illegal to ride on the footpath, but if you see it as the only safe option at the time, use it. Get off and walk if necessary.
The Road Code for cyclists says that you should use a bike lane or shared footpath if there is one, but you may choose to ride on the road. If there is no cycle path, you must ride on the road and keep as far left as you safely can. If there is a sign prohibiting you from riding on the road, you must ride on any cycle path or use an alternative road.
Test your route options: Get on your bike and try it out! Saturday or Sunday at 7:00AM is a delightful time to ride; there is little traffic, the day is fresh and you have time to explore. Riding it on the weekend makes it do-able on Monday!
· explore alleyways, schools, cul-de-sacs and walkways, they may open up new opportunities.
· Google Earth may give some ideas
· stop at intersections and watch how the traffic signals operate; consider your path through the intersection, where will you start from and where do you need to end up?
o is there a green arrow if you have to make a right turn?
o if turning right or if there is a free left turn and you’re going straight through or turning, where’s the best place to change lanes?
Be confident, visible and assertive when you ride:
· be predictable and give unambiguous signals
· make eye contact with drivers and be clear about what you’re going to do
· a reflective band on your wrist makes hand signals more visible, especially in the dark.
Hills: You’ll be amazed how roads that are obviously flat in your car make you to change down a few gears on the bike. But they build strength and endurance and are fun in the other direction! Don’t grind up hills, change to a lower gear early to keep your pedalling speed up.
Time: You may need to leave home earlier to ride to work than for driving or riding the bus, but think of it as re-shuffling your morning. Showering at home takes the same amount of time as showering at work; at home it just takes place a little earlier. Leaving earlier may mean less traffic and clearer roads.
Your skills and confidence will grow: You will quickly become stronger, fitter and more confident on your bike. A route that is initially daunting will become familiar and easier. In time you may be looking for more challenge through a longer route, more hills etc. all of which will add to the fun and satisfaction!