Cycle Path Bike Shop's Bicycle Commuter Map

In conjunction with The Athens Spokes Council, we made a map of Athens, Ohio to aid Bicycling Commuters

This map is designed to help identify bike friendly routes in Athens, Ohio.

click on this map for a detailed 1 mb PDF suitable for printing

Riding a bicycle can be dangerous.

Cycle Path recommends wearing a helmet, obeying all traffic laws and riding within your limits.

Ride responsibly.

Roads that are recommended to ride on are green.

Roads that are not recommended to ride on are red.

Roads that are straddling good and evil are orange.

Roads that are wider and red are recommended less than thinner red roads.

Roads that are wider and green are recommended more than thinner green roads.

Dotted lines have been used to show strategic shortcuts that aren't roads. For example parking lots or sidewalks.

Here are some recommendations for commuting by bicycle in Athens, Ohio

Never assume you have been seen by the drivers around you. Become an expert at making eye contact with motorists and pedestrians. Be bold about giving them appropriate signals. Frequently point to where you intend to go.

Wear a well fitted helmet. Adjust the four helmet straps so that they have equal tension when the helmet is level on your head. Replace your helmet at least every five years. With exposure to the element the styrofoam gets brittle reducing it effectiveness to protect you in the event of a crash.

Obey all traffic laws. Bicycles are considered a "vehicle" according to Ohio's Law. This means that you must abide by the same rules that motor vehicle operators do. Here are some of the most frequently ignored laws by bicyclists.

*	Use hand signals when turning.
*	Ride with traffic.
*	Don't ride in restricted areas. Uptown sidewalks in Athens ,Ohio are illegal to ride on.
*	Don't run red lights or stop signs.

Be seen. Wear bright clothing. Neon pink, lime green, and chartreuse during the day.

Use an adequate light system when riding in the dark. Flashing lights are especially effective at making one visible. Although not adequate without lights,be sure to equip you bike and clothing with reflective materials for night riding.

Watch out for doors opening from parked cars into traffic. When possible avoid riding closer than three feet from parked cars. Take special notice of parked cars that are occupied.

Be aware of road hazards. Hazards to be especially wary of include parallel storm drain gates, cracks in the pavement that run parallel to traffic flow, poorly marked speed bumps, wet steel plates used during road maintenance, and loose gravel and/or sand.

Report road hazards to Andy Stone of The City of Athens Street Department at astone@ci.athens.oh.us or 740-592-3343. You may also contact your local council representative for concerns about bicycle commuting in Athens. For a listing of all members of Athens City Council follow this link http://www.ci.athens.oh.us/city_council/members.htm

Here Are Some Useful Links for the Commuting Bicyclist

Bicycling Street Smarts: This compact tutorial, available as a 46-page booklet and this online version, will increase your safety and confidence while bicycling on any road, whether you are a beginner or an expert.

http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm

Ohio Bicycle Federation: Improving the lives of Ohio's bicyclists through legislation, education, and sharing ideas.

http://www.ohiobike.org/

Ohio Bicycle Law Reforms: This web site lists appeals to the Ohio Legislature from the Ohio Bicycle Federation for reform of traffic laws pertaining to bicycles.

http://www.ohiobike.org/ORC_Proposals.htm

For more information contact Cycle Path

at 104 W. Union St. / 740 -593-8482

or email CyclePath