When you are planning your route, start by mapping it out. Plan your route taking into account your own personal experience and level of confidence. A longer ride on lower traffic volume streets may be a better place to start.General Tips:

Talk to other cyclists, especially any that ride from the same area, for their opinions and ideas.

• If you can, hook up with another cyclist that rides a similar route.
• Try riding it before you use it for commuting. Take a leisurely ride along to route on a Sunday taking note of problem areas, construction, or hazards that might impact your ride. This also gives you an opportunity to see how much time it will take to complete your ride so that you are not late for work.
• If the full distance seems at first like it is too much, try planning only the last portion of the route. You can drive your car to where you want to start and ride from there. In no time you will be leaving that car at home where it belongs..

You can pick up a free copy of the Cycling Map of Winnipeg at the Manitoba Cycling Association, 2nd floor, 200 Main Street, phone 925-5686, or at Resource Conservation Manitoba, 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue (above the Mountain Equipment Co-op). Also find it online here.

One Green City, a made-in-Winnipeg bikeway planning site, has tons of maps — organized by local area. The maps show proposed bike lanes, paths and bike boulevards — all being conceived, planned and supported by members of your local community. One Green City’s maps have unearthed some key routes already well-known to cyclists. Try riding a planned route and use your imagination. To ask questions, or get involved, join a neighbourhood stewardship group today.

Feel free to contact Bike to the Future (biketothefuture.org) and we will be pleased to help you with your route planning for Bike to Work Day.

If you are lucky enough to completely escape the hustle and bustle by incorporating a trail on your way to work, consider this resource: the Winnipeg Trails Association has new maps available as of mid May, 2008! Check here for maps with detailed information on trail locations, trail fast facts, points of interest on the trail, trail amenities and trail supporters!

For information on combining bus and bike travel, view this Winnipeg Transit link.

Note: Bike to Work Day’s organizers and sponsors do not endorse and are not responsible for the content of external sites - links will open in new window