Each ingredient plays an important role. If one is left out, the goals of this planning effort may still be accomplished, but probably not as quickly, and most likely not as successfully. Additionally, the ingredients can be mixed together in various forms. For example a list of bicycle events and bicycle shops can be included on bicycle maps. Bicycle clubs can help to evaluate bicycle maps and can help organize events.
Highway departments can evaluate bicycle routes and work with clubs to clean and maintain shoulders.
Working together, the six ingredients are a recipe for success. Most people are attracted to an informative map, and as evidenced by the bicyclists surveyed for this project, bicycle maps are a major encouragement in their trying a new area. Maps are a somewhat unique form of advertising because they inform as well as promote. Numerous map examples from the U.S. and Canada illustrate how maps can be used to educate cyclists about safe cycling, relate historic and cultural information about the area, direct bicyclists to key attractions and bicycle-related businesses, and list contacts for further information. In addition, at least two regional mapping efforts are underway.