Houstonians share new bike route maps

Jay here! I wanted to share a pair of crowdsourced maps I can't wait to try out on my bike.

Why it matters: With a budding but incomplete bike network , Houston streets can be less than hospitable to those of us who pedal to get around.

• Since riding with traffic is nearly inevitable, it's important to have the inside scoop on which roads are bike-friendly.

The intrigue: Madeleine Pelzel , a cyclist, organizer and urban planner, compiled Houston's best and most dangerous bikeways in Google Maps.

• The map works as a wayfinding source strictly for cyclists, with a clearly labeled legend showing specific streets' bikeability, warnings of crossings to avoid, and up-to-date trail closures.

Meanwhile, I'm excited to see what comes of the newly concocted 6 Bayous Century Loop .

• The brainchild of Houston urban planner Geoff Carleton , the Century Loop introduces a 102-mile connected loop around the city, from the far reaches of Texas Highway 6 and George Bush Park to Sims Bayou and the Houston Ship Channel.

💭 My thought bubble: Pelzel's map is an invaluable resource in a world where vanilla Google Maps can lead bikers astray .

• Plus, the Century Loop will undoubtedly become a talker among Houston cyclists once it takes off — particularly those training for the annual MS 150 .

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