Looking for the best way to get to your destination by bike? Two great web resources make that easier for you. A couple of years ago, Google Maps added bike directions as a beta option on their directions page. According to Google, the tool enables riders to find the most bike friendly routes that maximize the use of bike lanes, and avoid big hills when possible. To access the bike directions, go to maps.google.com, click on “Get Directions” and then click on the bicycle icon.
Another tool is the www.mapmyride.com site. You choose the routes you want to take and mapmyride produces a map with mileage information. Routes can be saved and shared with others. You can also access routes that other riders have posted.
Looking for a recreational bike ride?
Maine’s Department of Transportation publishes a great guide book that features 33 bicycle loop tours throughout the state. These tours feature turn by turn directions as well as safety tips and points of interest. The printed books are available free at most Maine Visitor Centers. Or, browse the tours online and print route notes at www.exploremaine.org/bike.
