Cincinnati, Ohio – Just in time for serene rides on long summer days, the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Council of Governments has updated its digital Bike Route Guide.
An interactive map, the OKI Bike Route Guide was designed to improve safety for cyclists. Launched in 2014, this new version includes bicycle levels of traffic stress. The guide measures roadway stress for cyclists at all experience levels.
“Bicycle stress is measured using roadway type and speed limit, the level of bicycle infrastructure and lane features,” explained David Shuey, OKI’s director of information systems and analytics. “The guide also has useful information on how to travel the region, as well as maps that show shared-use trails and the most suitable on-road routes.”
The enhanced guide comes on the heels of OKI’s historic funding milestone: Since the launch of its Regional Bike Plan in 2010, OKI has passed the one hundred million dollar mark ($115 million) in funding awards for bike- and pedestrian-specific infrastructure.
How the bike route guide works:
- Each roadway is given a stress value from 1 to 4. Stress level 1 is least stressful.
- Level 4 is recommended only for the most experienced riders.
- The values reflect general conditions and not rush hour. Most routes will have more traffic during rush hour conditions, which are 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. weekdays.
- Some routes may be better in one direction than another.
Another point to consider, roadways, including signed bike routes, are shared with motor vehicles and have no special provisions for bicycle travel, unless they are classified as a bike lane or shared-use path.
“As always, cyclists should use prudent safety precautions, obey the rules of the road, and use their best judgment based on current conditions,” Shuey said.