I was wondering several things on roads and highways. I know in alot of cities(like mine), you have designated bike routes. My question for this one is, I am planning on a ride from Maryland to Daytona Beach Fla, is it a requirement(law) that bicyclist must follow all designated bike routes, or can you follow any route you choose?

This is going to be my first long haul on a bike(longest so far being about 84.5 miles on a flat, dirt trail). Are there any maps available to bicyclers of roads that are the best and safest? I am hoping to avoid any large cities and also hoping for at least alot of roads less traveled by vehicles.

I'm probably asking to much, but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.