Today, Google announced it added bicycle routes to its Google Maps site in addition to walking, public transit, and driving routes.
Bicycle routes by Google Maps is still being beta-tested, and users can make suggestions for changes if they find an error or overlooked bike trail.
Here’s a demonstration of the technology:
According to Wired:
To create the mapping tool, Google developed an algorithm that uses several inputs — including designated bike lanes or trails, topography and traffic signals — to determine the best route for riding. The map sends you around, not over, hills. But if you really want to tackle that Category 1 climb, you can click and drag the suggested route anywhere you like, just like you can with pedestrian or driving routes. Users can suggest changes or make corrections to routes using the ever-present “report a problem” feature on Google Maps.
That “go around, not over” part explains why Google Maps produced some seemingly bizarre routes for bicyclists on Route 66.
Here’s a typical route for cars on Route 66 from Needles, Calif., to Ludlow, Calif., through the Mojave Desert:
Here’s the one of the three bicycle-route options. This one includes Route 66 and Turtle Mountain Road:
As you can see, the bicycle route tries to avoid the mountain ranges, including the Cadiz Summit on Route 66. But I have a hard time believing the primitive road that leads to Ludlow from the south would be suitable for a bicycle.
It’s not perfect, but this is a good start by Google Maps. The improvements to the basic mapping program — especially Street View — has improved dramatically in recent years. And I wouldn’t be surprised if cyclists and roadies eventually figure out a quasi-Route 66 path for two-wheelers.