When it comes to getting out the bike and riding into town for the first time, we are presented with multiple routes. Do we stick to the most direct route, what does Google say, Oh and how do I avoid that hill. Quite often the route that comes up on Google isnt the best option.
To help make your ride enjoyable our Connecting Communities program is seeking input from Geraldton and Albany locals on how they get from their local suburb into town. This data will be compiled and put into both printed and online maps so that the community can benefit from your expertise.
ALBANY
- Little Grove to Town Centre
- Lockyer to Town Centre
- Orana to Town Centre
- Yakama to Town Centre
- Collingwood Heights to Town Centre
- Emu Point to Town Centre
- Bayonet Head to Town Centre
GERALDTON
- Drummonds to Town Centre
- Waggrakine to Town Centre
- Strathalbyn to Town Centre
- Spalding to Town Centre
- Wonthella to Town Centre
- Wandina to Town Centre
SUBMITTING YOUR ROUTE
To submit a route, email a GPS file or share your Google Maps route with info@westcycle.org.au using the template below.
Hi Westcycle,
I would like to contribute to the Regional Active Travel project.
Submitting a Google Maps route: Insert link here
Submitting a GPS File: Attach a .GPX .FIT or .TCX file
Route Starting Suburb: We will remove any reference to a personal address.
Name & Contact: Not required but appreciated.
Thanks
CREATING A ROUTE
There are two ways to submit your route.
1: Using Google Maps to create a route and then sharing the route link using the process above. A “How To Guide” can be found in the FAQ section.
2: Using personal bike GPS device to track ride and share .gpx, .tcx, and .fit files using the process above. We will never share or publish your personal starting and finishing location.
DESIGNING YOUR ROUTE: WHAT MAKES A GOOD PATH?
When planning a route to the CBD, data shows that the “average” rider prioritizes safety, ease, and quality infrastructure over the fastest possible time. In fact, many commuters are willing to travel 10–25% further than the shortest path if the ride is higher quality.
1. Safety and Traffic Stress
Safety is the most influential factor in route choice.
Separation: Riders prefer dedicated bike lanes or separated paths and will add significant time to a trip to use them.
Lower Stress: Routes with lower vehicle speeds and lower traffic volumes are prioritized.
Avoid Friction: High truck volumes and frequent intersections often trigger riders to seek detours.
2. Ease and Environment
“Ease” is a combination of the physical effort required and the ride surface.
Manage Gradients: Commuters are highly sensitive to hills. Most will choose a longer, flatter route to avoid significant inclines.
Surface Quality: Potholes, debris, or glass act as major deterrents. A smooth, predictable surface is preferred for consistent speed.
3. Connectivity vs. Distance
While distance matters, it is often secondary to the “link” of the infrastructure.
Continuous Paths: Riders value “linked” infrastructure. A slightly longer route is often preferred over a direct one if the direct route has “gaps” that force a rider to merge into traffic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I share my route using Google Maps?
We always recommend riders to be cautious when using routes suggested by Google Maps. It can be good as a suggestion tool but it doesn’t reflect real world riding experience.
Where Google Maps can be good is for creating routes that can be shared.
- Using the directions tool. Enter your starting suburb and then Town Centre Library.
- Ensure you have selected “bike” icon. So that the suggested route reflects riding a bike.
- If the route doesn’t reflect your suggested riding route. Click on the current suggested route and drag (holding left click) the blue route to your preferred route.
- To share your route, now select “Copy Link”.
- Then using the “SUBMITTING YOUR ROUTE” process above, share the copied link with Westcycle.
Desktop version of Google Maps works best.
I don’t want my personal starting or end address to be shared.
We will be removing any personal information from the published versions of the maps. The starting location for each suburb will be a community park or other local feature. These maps are a starting guide for individuals to use to help with their own route planning.
How can I get more involved in this program?
You can reach out to Andrew Turns Regional Coordinator at Westcycle via email andrew.turns@westcycle.org.au
