We have some fantastic news coming out of the National Bike Summit in Washington, DC this morning. The League of American Bicyclists is reporting that Google Maps has finally added a "bike there" option to the choices of directions between two locations.
According to the press release from the League of American Bicyclists:
"This new feature includes: step-by-step bicycling directions; bike trails outlined directly on the map; and a new "Bicycling" layer that indicates bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads. The directions feature provides step-by-step, bike-specific routing suggestions – similar to the directions provided by our driving, walking, or public transit modes. Simply enter a start point and destination and select "Bicycling" from the drop-down menu. You will receive a route that is optimized for cycling, taking advantage of bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly streets and avoiding hilly terrain whenever possible."
If you're reading this article, chances are you're as excited about this as we are. Not only is this a great tool for planning rides and commutes, but it also gives yet another example of the visibility, impact and importance of cycling. Like Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists says, "It is a game-changer..."
You can see all of this in action, along with a cool little video and some instructions here.
Are you excited about this? How will this impact your riding and/or commuting? Let us know your thoughts by adding a comment below.
Comments
i use google map's bicycle option alot to predetermine routes and track mileage when i get back, but using the tool gave a bad choice on a run once. the route it gave me set me through a recreational park and dam to make good time around a busy highway, but i ended up getting stuck due to the gates being closed at dusk. i was thankful for a local late-day jogger with a smart phone to get me back on a course, but i'll definitely be looking into that type of situation again when using google maps.
Bicyclists have become one of the industrial worlds' fastest growing and most annoying minorities, and they recently got Google to add Google Maps for bicyclists. Yes, pushing those pedals might keep you alive longer than someone else – except the years you'll be living longer for are the kidney losing, hip breaking, and rotting cabbage smell, nursing home years. Spending multiple payday loans worth on a bike that isn't a Harley or an Indian doesn't exactly seem the brightest idea in the world. Besides, didn't your mother tell you to leave your toys at home?
i've always wondered about you motorcyclists. after a long, hard ride - do you and your biker buddies sit around the bar with a few beers, and talk about swollen wrists and saddle sores, complaining about the payments you're making? what's it like to get up on that gasoline powered vibrator, consistently needing to worry about your public image while doing your best james dean/ steve mcqueen impressions? what does it feel like when you need to pack-up your "iron steed" for the winter, while still making monthly payments for it to collect dust in the garage. no, i just don't get it.
The concept of thinking a Harley is anything but a toy (and one that will be on the scrap heap sooner than most bicycles)...
Seems like this feature is only working for directions in
the North America. We'll keep you posted as to when it works in other
countries.
Tried out my commute, and it had one stretch I would not recommend, going down a much busier street than some available side streets... but it also had some other recommendations that seemed reasonable.
I imagine it will be constantly being improved and updated...?
I'll definitely be giving it a try. Hopefully it'll help me dope out some good routes in and around Pittsburgh.