Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) took first place and an honorable mention for their bike maps at the recent AASHTO GIS-T Symposium.

From the MDOT press release:

Michigan is a bicycling paradise with its scenic vistas and miles of picturesque orchards and waterfront. Now, two new award-winning bike maps are available to help plan your next trip.

First Place was for the “Bay Region Road and Trail Bicycling Guide,” which includes Saginaw, Bay City, Flint, and east to Port Sanilac. This map shows “road surface types, traffic volumes, paved/unpaved trails with regional significance, recreational facilities, points of interest, and other amenities that make cycling across Michigan more enjoyable.”

The Honorable Mention was for the “Northeast Region Road and Trail Bicycling Guide.”

MDOT has these biking maps and others on-line as PDFs.  You can also order paper copies of these and county-specific maps.

But, if you prefer something on-line, try the MTGA Trails Finder.

From MDOT. Note that this MDOT questionaire asks many questions relevant to cyclists. Please take the time to take it. Thanks!

Do you use the state map? MDOT wants to hear your opinions
Aug 07, 2007

August 7, 2007 - - Even with the growing popularity of Global Positioning System (GPS) units, most motorists carry a map in their glove box. And although yours may be years old, and folded over many times, you probably use your state transportation map often to find your way and discover the great attractions of Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) invites you to share your opinions about the state transportation map through a first-ever online questionnaire, available Aug. 6 through Sept. 7. To access the questionnaire, which takes a few minutes to complete, go to www.michigan.gov/mdot .

The questionnaire examines the features of the map, and how valuable those features are - - such as the mileage chart, location of state parks and hospitals and roadside parks - - and how you use the map.

“The state map is an exceptional value,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “We want to learn from the residents of Michigan and out-of-state travelers how they feel about the state map and how we can improve it. This feedback will be taken into account as we develop the 2008 state transportation map.”

For anyone without access to a computer, a questionnaire can be requested by calling 877-627-6368. Questionnaires also will be available at Michigan’s 13 welcome centers.

MDOT has published the state transportation map for nearly 90 years. It is printed every year and distributed free of charge at Michigan’s welcome centers and MDOT offices. This year, the map features the magnificent Mackinac Bridge, which celebrates 50 years of service in 2007.

The results of the questionnaire, which asks about 20 questions, will be shared this fall on the MDOT Web site at www.michigan.gov/mdot .