New Decatur Bike Map Color Codes Streets By Riding Conditions

The City of Decatur has been trying to make the city streets friendlier for bicyclists.

New bike lanes have been created and on streets.

Now a big step has been taken with the publication of a "Bicycle Suitability Map" that color-codes streets and intersections.

For instance, South Cander Street and much of East College Avenue are red routes, meaning they have the most difficult conditions for bike riders.

Most of the city streets, incuding South McDonough Street and Ponce de Leon Avenue, are yellow routes, meaning they have "medium conditions."

The green routes are the best for bikers. This would include Oakview Road, Ponce de Leon Place and Avery Street.

The maps also have icons showing spots for bike parking and drinking water.

The city Active Living Department teamed with Bike Decatur to come up with the map, which was created by cartographer Jeff McMichael.

It can be downloaded from the city website or you can find a copy at Decatur Active Living at Beacon Hill, Bicycle South or Decatur Bikes. The city will distribute maps to other spots in coming weeks.