What is the Bike Across Canada Route Network?
Started, designed and implemented by me, local Victoria resident, Sam Vekemans, This project is to build a National Cycling Route Network which is based on the cycling routes from many self-supported cyclists.
[Show the Bike Across Canada Route Network logo]
Having a set of 12 regional maps (shown on Google Maps), showing both the GPS tracks and the end-of-day placemarkers from many different trips, a definite pattern emerges from the data. showing which roads, are most commonly used to cycle across the country.
[Insert the 12 screenshots of the Google Maps]
The end of day placemarkers are shown at the Campgrounds, Indoor accommodations, or in the case where the cyclists stayed at a private home (or wild camping) or it wasn't recorded, the placemarker is put at the local tourist office, if none exists then it's at the town office or the local post office, (basically somewhere in town where people could find information about where to stay).
[Show a sample of a detailed trip Google map]
Many people Like to see the information shown on a spreadsheet, so it can be printed out and used as a reference.
This (above screenshot) is the template to use, and I've detailed many trips
When multiple self-supported trips are shown on the same map, we see clusters of points ton the same places. When 10 or more trips are shown to stay at the same place, then this gets added to the recommended list.
[Show the multiple trips map]
The Route Network is drawn on a Google map to begin with, and drawn on paper maps. The exact route is constantly being redefined as more trips are shown on the overall general route map, and the 12 regional maps. When more data is added, the network becomes clearer, and as local and regional bicycle routes become physically signed, in some cases, preference is given to signed cycling routes - if it's agreed by the community.
[Show the route network Map]
The core data is provided by the community of self-supported cyclists. Using the Facebook groups 'Bike Across Canada' and Biking Across Canada',
[Show screenshot of the Facebook group]
as well as Crazyguyonabike directory listing for self-supported across Canada tours,
[Show screenshot of the list]
as well as internet searches to find trip reports, almost 400 (384) trips have been documented on a Great Big List of self-supported tours.
Out that, approximately 65 trips have been detailed to show the basic route outline with end-of-day placemarkers shown, and approximatly 30 trips have GPS tracks to some extent.
[Show a screenshot of the GPS tracks spreadsheet]
Along side this data, is a collection of maps for various points of interest to self-supported cyclists. This includes; Bike shops across Canada, Tourist information offices, Laundry Mats, hostels, campgrounds, restaurants, rest areas (toilets).
[Show a screenshot of each poi map]
The aim of this project is to eventually have a physically signed route network - but to also make the route data available in many different formats, so it can be used in the most ways. A Garmin GPS basemap, .OSM (OpenStreetMap) file type, GPX tracks, .CSV POIs (as direction signs placemarkers), KML and KMZ Google Earth files. SHP (standard GIS mapping systems format), printed PDF Maps, and the route network shown on various track sharing websites.
The data is made free (as in Creative Commons Attribution), so anyone is free to use the data how they wish.
[Show CCBY logo]
All data is sourced, so it's easy to find the original source of the data. Crediting the source back to 'Bike Across Canada Route Network' with help get the name recognized.
[Show pen stickers photo] pen stickers are available, just ask.
If you would like to contribute to helping to build this route network, you can contact me at acrosscanadatrails@gmail.com and/or join the Facebook group, or be added to the mailing list BikeAcrossCanadaRN@googlegroups.com
Thanks for your support!
Sam Vekemans,
Project organizer,
Bike Across Canada Route Network
Victoria, BC
