Now there’s no excuse not to leave your computer and get on your bike. Google has finally launched a cycle route mapping addition to Google Maps. What makes it different from other features on Google Maps? The new biking feature plots routes that have been specifically designed with cyclists in mind. So no more setting off on your cycle route only to get blocked by a vehicles only road or other obstacle.
At the moment, the service only works in the USA and it’s still in beta. It’s also quite limited. If you try to plot anything more than a few kilometers, it will usually tell you that the route can’t be plotted and offer you walking or driving alternatives instead.
Google is encouraging users to correct them where they discover problems or blockages on routes. Much of the data currently used has been provided by the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy and while usually accurate, changes to routes can of course happen at any time.
To use it, enter your directions as normal and selecting Bicycling from the drop down menu:
You can then see the route and change different points along it if you want:
If you want to see other bicycling routes in the area, select Bicycling from the More menu and green routes display where they are.
If you think a route is wrong, click on Beta warning underneath the directions on the left and fill in the form:
Hopefully Google will extend this feature and roll it out to other countries too as its a much welcome addition to Maps.
