Commuting by bike helps the environment and is great for your health, but getting from point A to point B isn’t always easy. That was part of the motivation for Mark Connolly and team behind Cycling Guide, a mobile app that shows cyclists the least stressful paths to get where they need to go.

Mark joins us on the podcast to talk about the inspiration behind the app, which uses community-maintained OpenStreetMap data to find low-stress, bike-friendly routes, including those secret neighborhood shortcuts and connecting paths that other apps miss.

Communitech’s Isibeal Ryan is in the cohost set to share her perspective on how Cycling Guide addresses the critical issue of confidence when navigating traffic, roundabouts, and disconnected infrastructure.

So, what do we talk about?

• The Non-Profit Model: Why Mark chose to make the foundation a charity to protect user privacy and avoid monetizing data.

• Community Data: How local enthusiasts keep the map up-to-date (sometimes faster than officials!).

• Accessible Cycling: Moving the conversation away from "sport" and toward everyday transportation, like grocery runs and commuting.

Learn how the app is expanding its reach across Canada and how you can support their mission to make cycling safe, fun, and accessible for everyone.

Links:

• Download Cycling Guide on iOS and Android

• Support the Foundation: cyclingguide.org