Where to ride a bike in Northeast Ohio

The first question to ask yourself is how comfortable you are in traffic. Ohio has one of the better rural road systems in the nation and these roads present the most opportunity for riding. The terrain is not too flat (Kansas), nor too hilly (Colorado), and except for major metropolitain areas, too heavily travelled.

Recently, NOACA, the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, rated area roads for cycling suitability and published maps. The maps of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina County bike routes are complete and may be purchased from NOACA for $2 each. The maps measure 18" x 24" and are printed on water-resistant paper, allowing you to use them on the trip! The maps are also available at some local bike shops. You can also download the maps from: http://www.noaca.org/bikemaps.html.

Perhaps the best source for information on where to ride is from the members of a a bike club. After all, these individuals spend a considerable amount of time cycling in the area and most clubs have published routes.

If you are not yet comfortable in traffic or want to take a break and ride without worring about the SUV behind you, there are many excellent multi-purpose paths in the area. The best source of information on these is available on-line at: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/bike/. The site covers the entire state and has details on all 'bike paths' with a short description of the trail, directions to a trailhead, and some information and history of the area.