Bicyclist Routes
Click on the map to enlarge
This map rates the perceived level of comfort for bicyclists on routes to parks and schools within Bowling Green, Kentucky. The ratings are based on the appropriate experience level for riders on each route.
beginning riders, including children accompanied by an adult 
intermediate riders who have the skill to ride as a vehicle
in traffic 
advanced riders who have the skill to navigate heavy vehicular traffic 
off-road shared-use paths that are separated from vehicular
traffic; suitable for all skill levels
The comfort level rating helps bicyclists of different skill levels find a suitable route within their neighborhood or to their destination. All the routes are within the vehicular travel lane on public streets, with the exception of the blue shared-use paths (e.g. Cemetery Road from Indian Hills Drive to Lovers Lane). The shared-use paths shown with a blue dash are proposed routes that are scheduled for construction in 2005-06. Sidewalks are not included in this plan.
Background: The Bicycling Bowling Green map is an update of the 1978 Bicycle Facilities Plan for Bowling Green, which included two types of bike routes: residential routes for specific neighborhoods, and recreational along some of the suburban and rural roads. The updated plan connects the 1978 routes into a network. Many of the 1978 routes are now more heavily traveled (e.g. Smallhouse Road and Campbell Lane), and are no longer as well suited for beginning and intermediate riders.
Evaluation: Three factors were evaluated for each proposed route: lane width, traffic volume, and speed limit. Much like grades in school, the Bicycle Compatibility Index results range from A to F. With a map of the compatibility scores in hand, several local bicyclists examined the routes. The BCI scores were then converted to comfort level ratings as shown.
Future Enhancement: This map is presented as a starting point, not an ending point, for improving the conditions for bicycling in Bowling Green. The routes will continue to be evaluated by the bicycling public.
There are several additional factors that have some impact on the bicycling experience on any given road: the condition of pavement, the presence of edge line markings, the presence of on-street parking, and the percentage of heavy vehicles (i.e. trucks). However, they have not been evaluated street-by-street. Future revisions of the bikeways map will incorporate public comment on these factors.
No physical improvements have been made to the bike routes at this time. This map will serve as a guide for future installation of bike route signs and/or edge line marking. Please note that the publication of these bike routes does not in any way guarantee the safety of the route for use by bicyclists. They are suggested only as more suitable than others for bicycling. You assume your own risk using these roads, as you would using any roads.