Google Maps adds 'bike directions'

Happy Valley

Happy Valley

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Can't really vouch or say how good this will be yet but........

Google on Wednesday launched bicycle directions for Google Maps making it easier for cyclists to plan routes in 150 U.S. cities including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Portland and Washington, DC. You can use Google Maps to find cycling-specific directions in urban areas, and by default Google Maps will plan your route to avoid steep hills whenever possible. The new maps feature can also be used as a map layer to get an overall sense of cycling accessibility in a particular city.
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http://www.pcworld.com/article/191152/bike_directions_added_to_google_maps.html
 
Google Maps: Routes for Bicycles

Hello, maybe it already been covered, but Google Maps now provides directions for bicycle route instead of just cars, buses, or walking. Of course use your own knowledge of traffic flow before using its directions, but I thought it would be good to share this in the travel and commute section.

Here's the link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?hq=http:%2F%2Fmaps.google.com%2Fhelp%2Fmaps%2Fdirections%2Fbiking%2Fmapplet.kml&ie=UTF8&lci=bike&dirflg=b&f=d&ll=37.688167,-122.319717&spn=0.24778,0.44014&t=h&z=11

Opps: Just noticed a previous thread about it, has anyone found that it provides safe routes?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
mbatl said:
has anyone found that it provides safe routes?
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I have used Google bikes several times. It is helpful and can help plan a route, but it does make mistakes.

Some of the roads that it reccomends are poor choices. Sometimes it will put you on a sidewalk along a major road - not good for motor bikes. And it often does not realize that bike trails have many connections to roads at various points. Bike trails can help you get around dangerous traffic choke points. I don't use my motor on trails, but the trails can make good connections.
 
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