Norman maps bicycle routes

NORMAN — The city has released a new bicycle route map, showing updated routes and future route improvements.

The map also comes with a colorful, pocket-sized guide to bicycling in Norman.

The revised map was developed by the city’s Bicycle Advisory Committee based on physical changes in Norman since initial bike routes were laid out in 1996, Parks and Recreation Director Jud Foster said.

City council members adopted the map last week, passing a resolution commending the advisory board members for the two-year project.

The new map highlights Norman’s long-range goals regarding safety of bicycles and pedestrians on the bridges crossing over Interstate 35, Councilwoman Rachel Butler said.

The map also stresses the need for a separated bike path along State Highway 9 to east Norman and the Lake Thunderbird area, she said.

The updated map includes an inset that shows rural routes in east Norman, Butler said.

The map has clearly identified markers for all I-35 bridges that need to be improved for cyclists and pedestrians and indicates the bike route additions that can be made once that happens.

The updated map will be provided to the state Transportation Department so that bike routes can be incorporated in future transportation projects, Foster said.

The bike route plan for Norman is part of an overall plan to help everyday commuting, Foster said. Recreational bike paths also are shown on the map, but that is not the map’s primary purpose, he said.