A2W reader Ashley writes:

I am going to be in Austin from 6/18-6/21.  My friend and I will be staying around Lamar/ Thornton (sp) area and we will be mainly staying between there and Congress/ Barton Springs area.  We wanted to stay away from renting a car and wanted to rent bikes instead so we can really enjoy everything as we go by.  Is this a safe area for night rides as well as day rides?  Are there many bike routes with low traffic or wide bike lanes?  Where would be a good place to rent some bikes?  What do you suggest for us as far as things to do and places to see by bike in that area?  Where can we get a decent bike route map or any public transport if bike option is out one day?  Any info will help… Thank you so much!!

This is the area Ashley is talking about. It’s not bad in the neighborhood itself. My personal recommendation would be to ride on either the Lamar sidewalk or street, depending on time of day and cut over west into the Barton Hills/Zilker area, or if heading east do the same thing along Oltorf until reaching South 5th.

As for the city bike map, just click on that graphic and you can download your own.

Add your own comments below to give them ideas on what to do in Austin and other route suggestions.