May is National Bike Month and Metro is encouraging you to bike there, whether you are commuting, exercising or just having fun. To help you find the safest and most direct routes, Metro's new eighth edition Bike There! map, which is printed on durable, waterproof paper, is hot off the press and available at area retailers for $9.
Since 1982, the Bike There! map has helped local cyclists find their way around Portland and Vancouver. In the new edition, those using two wheels instead of four for their daily travels will find commuter maps of downtown Portland along with 21 local cities. The map also gives bike riders of all types - recreational, commuter and beginners - the knowledge to choose the most suitable routes.
The new map features more routes - a total of 600 miles of on-street bike routes and 235 miles of off-street trails. Users will also notice an expanded regional map directing them to popular recreational cycling destinations where they can get exercise and enjoy the area's natural beauty, an improvement inspired by feedback from local riders. While designing the new edition, Metro watched cyclists use the map. Planners quickly realized the map's legend could be clearer on which routes are the truly the best for bikes.
Metro is marking the release of the new map and National Bike Month with several events including a Bike There! celebration on May 13 that will feature local media celebrities going for the gold in a goldsprint cycling competition, free bike tune-ups and other fun opportunities. Learn more at www.oregonmetro.gov/bikethere.