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This is based on a question that @Jennifer_Miller had:
Q7. What cycle-advice would you have for people who might be reading but _aren't_ asking #BikeNite questions? What questions might they have, and what would you like to share?
(Maybe they don't feel safe posting publicly, etc.)
@Jennifer_Miller @bikenite A7. This is a hard one. I'm trying to think of what people who don't identify as cyclists have told/asked me in the past.
I guess some people want to ride more but don't feel safe. If possible, riding with a friend might help, or finding a welcoming group might help as well.
Sometimes it looks like there is a large barrier to entry. "What gear should I buy? What clothing do I need to get?" but cycling can be as simple as going out for a short 15-minute ride, or riding to the store (instead of driving) to get a loaf of bread. So, you don't need to be dressed all sporty to go out for a ride.
@ascentale @Jennifer_Miller @bikenite that "where is safe?" is part of what I'm trying to help address with my bike maps. That's why they rank infrastructure so heavily, and I derank infrastructure sometimes - it may _technically_ be X or Y, but if I think it's below what that promises I will absolutely show it as less.
@moira @Jennifer_Miller @bikenite
Ahh, this made me think of a A7, continued:
Google Maps doesn't seem to route well for safe streets. I've heard of people riding in some sketchy situations because just followed the Google Maps biking route.
@ascentale @Jennifer_Miller @bikenite OH yeah, google maps will TOTALLY fucking kill you.
It LOVES to send people to Bothell Way in North King County. Just for example.
@ascentale @moira @Jennifer_Miller @bikenite
A7. I used OpenCycleMap.org before I knew it was based on OpenStreetMap.org. I originally filled in most of the bicycle routes in Huntsville, Alabama using my own camera and video record, mostly without a GPS.
I've found Google maps always goes for fastest route for cars. There is an eco option.
While I appreciate that there is a bicycle map and navigation option, it still doesn't seem to be designed for safest route, but fastest.
@cainmark @ascentale @moira @Jennifer_Miller @bikenite I'm a big fan of using https://geovelo.app/ for bike routing. It uses OSM data and gives you routing options between safer and faster.
@DemonHusky @cainmark @ascentale @moira @Jennifer_Miller @bikenite
It's not bad but it makes odd choices when I look at routing options in my area.
@InkySchwartz @cainmark @ascentale @moira @Jennifer_Miller @bikenite depending how well mapped your area is, you could add info to openstreetmap to improve the routing. I fixed something when I noticed it didn't route me along a bike path, within a few days (next time I tried it) it used the better option
@cainmark
i would very much appreciate bicycle navigation with options to avoid freeway overpasses or intersections with unprotected left turns.
both are nightmares, especially after sunset
The problem with riding with groups is keeping up with the group.
Hm. If your bike group outpaces you, it may be the wrong group. There is likely another bike group better paced for your speed; ask the group leader. And if the group abandons slower riders, that's definitely not a group I'd want to ride with.
On a ride a few years ago some riders had trouble keeping up, so the group split in two with some experienced riders staying in the group with slower riders. That's the leadership I want in group rides.
@bobjonkman @andytiedye @ascentale @Jennifer_Miller @bikenite Agreed on the leadership comment. My local CannonCityVelo hosts several rides. The Tuesday night gravel typically has an A, B, and no-drop groups with varying distances. I’m mostly able to keep up with the no-drop and someone always holds back to stay with me if I’m really lagging. Finding your group may involve a drive around here, but there are options. #bikenite
@andytiedye @ascentale @Jennifer_Miller @bikenite back to the original question A7. How do you find an appropriate group ride? I'm not asking how do you find them, but how do you determine if they are appropriate / what questions do you ask? E.g. drop/no drop, average speed or watts (and how do you figure that out?), climbing elevation, what else? I still haven't done any group rides myself, but mostly because I'm too busy working full time, so I can only guess at this list. #BikeNite
@ascentale @Jennifer_Miller @bikenite
For the gear part of that, my advice to people is always "ride with what you have and take notes of what specifically you hate about it"
It's very hard to give advice when you don't know someone's priorities and preferences and without first hand experience, they might find themselves prioritizing things that seem like they would be helpful rather than things they would like.
@ascentale @Jennifer_Miller @bikenite
Part of being safe can also look like planning a route with less/slower traffic and side streets