As a newbie, I can already see that cycleways need to be better defined, especially if we want an international standard.

The key/legend provided here
http://www.gravitystorm.co.uk/shine/cycle-info/
is just not suitable enough.

What, as a cyclist, do I want to know?

Well, firstly, there are are basically two different types of cycling I do: commuting and recreational. Are there any other types?

Commuting: It's pretty straight forward. I want the fastest safest easiest route to my destination; I want to know all of the government designated and supported routes; as well as the routes most frequented/recommended by other bicycle commuters.

Recreational: I want to get the most fun out of it (and generally, the least amount of traffic and interruptions).

So, different types of cycle paths:
- government sanctioned cycle routes/paths (national, regional, local)
- fastest most direct route (I care not about traffic, bring it on)
- fastest safest most direct route (avoiding main vehicle traffic)
- touring/racing route (scenic long route with fewest interruptions)
- mountain bike route (i.e. road/touring/casual bikes not recommended)
- roads or sections of road to avoid (i.e. too dangerous even if bicycles are legally allowed on the road etc.)
- long/steep gradients (grade percentage)
- surface: paved, gravel

- bicycles not allowed
- bicycles only (path/roadway)

- bicycle & pedestrians (in own lanes)
- bicycle & pedestrians (in same lane)

- bicycle & vehicle (in same lane)
- bicycle & vehicle (in own lanes)
- bicycle & vehicle (bicycle on shoulder)

Did I miss anything major?

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First Pet Peeve:
"Toucan Crossings"?? Come on people, think INTERNATIONAL. And do we really need to identify such crossings on the map? That's just overkill. When we get there, we'll see it, "Oh, a green bicycle, I guess I can cross now and don't have to wait for the traffic light or have to walk my bicycle across." I don't want a map that is cluttered with unimportant tedious details. All we need to know is that it is a crossing, not that Two-Can cross at the same time. Who cares. If you live around there, you'll quickly understand such things. If you are a tourist, you're likely just passing through and will never encounter that crossing ever again in your life. Either or, it's unimportant.

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Note of Possible Interest: Where I live, there are roads that I try to avoid on my bicycle because they are simply too dangerous due to traffic, but the city comes by with their bicycle stencil and marks the road as a bicycle route. Nothing at all has has been done to the road to make it more "bicycle friendly" other than a white bicycle symbol being painted on the road. It may be an official cycleway, but I would not reccomend the route.

Why is there no Key for the cycle map?
What's the use of having all these cycle roads with colours, dashed lines etc. if there nothing listed in the Key? Would somebody who knows how to do it, add update the cycle map Key. Thanks.

Jeeze, I just read this:

"
Also, a map key would be helpful (or making it more obvious if there is one).
Thanks, MJR
Comment by MJ Ray — 2/9/2007 @ 5:37 pm
"

Apparently someone thought it was a good idea back in 2007 as well. I can't believe that there STILL, after all these years, no cycle map key/legend. How do you do it? How do you make a key/legend? Somebody must know how.