Route Planning

A good route makes or breaks a ride. The best routes are safe, scenic, and bring the group through places that matter to the community.

Route design principles

Keep it accessible

Flat terrain is more inclusive than hilly terrain
Avoid cobblestones, gravel, and poor road surfaces where possible
Plan for the slowest rider, not the fastest
5–10 miles (8–16 km) is a good default for most cities

Prioritize safety

Prefer streets with lower speed limits
Avoid roads without shoulders or bike lanes where traffic is fast
Steer clear of highways, tunnels, and high-speed on-ramps
Be cautious at complex intersections

Make it meaningful

Ride through neighborhoods that rarely see cyclists
Pass landmarks, parks, and community spaces
End at a place where people can socialize
Vary the route month to month to keep things fresh

Route formats

Fixed route

A pre-planned route shared in advance. Best for:

First rides in a new city
Large groups
Cities with complex road networks

Spontaneous route

The lead rider chooses the path in real time. Best for:

Experienced groups with strong communication
Small to mid-sized groups
Cities with grid street layouts

Hybrid approach

Share a general direction and a destination, but let the exact path emerge. This balances planning with spontaneity.

Practical tips

Ride the route yourself beforehand on a bike
Note construction zones, road closures, and one-way streets
Identify potential rest stops (water fountains, parks)
Have a backup plan if a road is blocked
Share the route digitally using a tool like Ride with GPS, Komoot, or Google Maps
Keep a paper copy or screenshot for yourself

Corking intersections

On larger rides, experienced riders often “cork” intersections — stopping at cross-streets to let the group pass through together. This keeps the ride cohesive and reduces the risk of the group splitting.

Corking is a volunteer activity, not a requirement
Corkers should be visible and confident
Use hand signals and verbal communication
Always yield to emergency vehicles