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. A surprising finding from the bicyclist survey is the importance of events in bicyclists' decisions to take a bicycling vacation in a new area. Granted, the sample was comprised mainly of people who have done some long distance touring, so they may be more interested in events than the average cyclists. However, events seem to provide the impetus for a cyclist to come to an area for the first time.