Cycle The Parks, Countries

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Some observations

Austria

Austria has a wonderful set of cycle paths (radweg) that are paved or suitably hard packed for cycle touring. Cars are usually not allowed, and when you do need to share, the drivers really do yield to the cyclist. You will see the occasional tractor or cow using the paths. The radweg is very popular with families taking riding holidays. Locals use them to go to market. There are ads for lodging and restaurants along the paths, so finding accommodations is simple and plentiful. Ride until you are tired. Planning for a trip in Austria is very simple. All you really need are the radweg maps (available from Frytag & Berndt).

Different sections will link together to allow you to traverse most of this beautiful country. All local trains allow bikes on at least one car (same is true in France). Cicerone publishes a good set of guide books. Google can also help planning. For areas that do not have the dedicated paths, no worries. Cyclist can safely traverse all of the smaller roads. Many regions will still have marked cycle paths on the roads, most of which have limited use.

France

Very few dedicated bike paths. They don't really need them. The French get it. The use of bicycles is part of the culture in France. Most people use or have used bikes as the primary form of transportation so they respect the bike.

Medium and larger cities in Europe are a horrible maze of one way streets. I once spent hours trying to leave Dijon. I ended up going the wrong way on a one way, single lane street for several blocks just to find a way out. Drivers just smiled at me. I do not recommend attempting this (pretty sure it was illegal) unless you have the counter flow bike lane.


Pave. Cobblestone. I have always heard that the French have a strange sense of humor. They use it on dedicated bike paths. I don’t get the joke.
Road signing is horrible. Sometimes there is a sign, other times not. Usually guess work is involved. GPS units are helpful, but they can get confused, so take a compass and paper maps. I once came to a 5 way intersection, three of the roads had the same name. At another 5 way, there was no signage

Pretty much ride anywhere you want. The obvious roads to avoid are the busy high speed ones.
I would also avoid Paris, other than the real fun Fat Tire tour.

I have found many under used roads throughout the countryside, some only a lane wide. These can be unmarked, so be brave and enjoy those wrong turns. Drivers will patiently wait for a safe place to pass you. I will pull over if they are having trouble finding a way around me.

Italy

Tough. Drivers are always in a hurry. They will not touch you, but you have to be brave.

Florence was a bit scary until you watch the other riders slowly doing their thing with confidence.
Bolzano in the northern Alps was much more cycling centered, with paths throughout the valleys and an air hose in the main square. The local sightseeing gondolas gave priority boarding to bikes. Roads out of the towns are friendly.

Europe

Europe has a comprehensive set of bike highways that are usually marked. They can take you from southern Italy to Norway. I have done a good chunk of the Atlantic in France to Wien Austria.

A note of warning: the markets will close at noon for a few hours. Make sure to stop for supplies before this. On Sundays, most things are closed down, stop for the night early to obtain a place to sleep and eat.