The Colorado Department of Transportation recently released an online version of the “Colorado Bicycling and Scenic Byways Map” that essentially combines Google Maps (just Colorado) and a printed map.

The app is available for download from a desktop, tablet or mobile phone at: http://dtdapps.coloradodot.info/bike

Online version is based on Google Maps data

Like the printed version,  the online version graphically displays information about state highways like highway traffic volume, percentage of truck traffic on highways, highways with four-foot shoulders or greater and highways where bicycles are prohibited.

Unlike the printed map, the online version is based on Google Maps data and incorporates a Get Directions capability that includes Google’s Bicycle Legend of trails, dedicated lanes and bicycle-friendly roads (be advised this is in beta so it may suggest routes on roads that aren’t actually bicycle friendly, but you can easily click and drag a route to try different routes) while keeping traffic information symbols.

Options bicyclists will appreciate

Betsy Jacobsen, the transportation department’s bicycle program manager, said in a news release: “Along with all the information that’s available in the hard copy of the map, the new app will offer lots of options that we think bicyclists will appreciate. Specific items like where bike shops, restaurants and welcome centers are located will be available.  It’ll also include directional information, allowing cyclists to request specific point-to-point directions.”

In addition, the new app also has the ability to show street views, so users unfamiliar with an area or roadway can see the actual road and determine if it fits their cycling abilities.  It also will provide alerts such as road closures and available detour routes.

The new map provides another useful resource for the Colorado cyclist and it will get better as local municipalities add their own route information.

The transportation department will continue adding features to the app, including a localized route information provided by cities and counties. That feature should be online this fall.