California Cyclist Maps Animals Through Rides

The La Jolla resident plots local bike rides that, when viewed on a map, outline the shape of animals or seasonal items.

1 minute read

March 26, 2024, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Strava map of route shaped like reindeer in San Diego, California.

Robert Yedidsion's Christmas Strava map. | The Kraken / Strava

A Southern California cyclist is creating whimsically shaped bike routes that he posts online, reports Ashley Mackin-Solomon for La Jolla Light.

Robert Yedidsion uses the popular mapping app Strava to chart his routes, whose shapes have ranged from a Christmas reindeer to a snake to a Thanksgiving turkey. “In addition to the shaped rides, Yedidsion is working on one that will be the equivalent in linear feet of riding up Mount Everest.”

According to Yedidsion, “[It’s] not about staying fit, it’s about exploring what you like. It’s not about the miles, it’s about the experience.”

Sunday, March 24, 2024 in La Jolla Light

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Bird's eye view of half-circle suburban street with large homes.

In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City

If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.

1 hour ago - Investopedia

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

June 15 - Fast Company