route essentials
key requirements for high-quality routes
A high-quality route is safe, legal, and sustainable. The routes on this website meet the following standards. You can use this checklist as a guide for your own route planning.
The route is 100% bike-legal and open to public access.
The route has been ground-truthed and ridden and verified by cyclists for connectivity, safety, and legality.
Information about the route is readily available – such as surface type, water and food stops, where to park, any particular potential hazards identified to potential riders.
Land owners and managers have been informed and permission granted where appropriate.
There is an ongoing route steward responsible for updating information when things change and is the point of contact for land managers or others who need to inform those riding the route of road/trail closures or other issues.
route planning resources
planning
How to get started with planning a high-quality gravel route.
mapping
Resources for putting the details together and getting the route on the map.
promoting
Getting your route details to cyclists so they are prepared for the ride.
This information is designed for anyone planning cycling routes, but especially those who are creating routes to be promoted to a wide audience. Creating routes to be shared with the public requires some extra considerations. However, anyone can learn from these best practices and apply them to all route planning efforts.
