Google to map users: On your bike
Google has added cycling directions to its mapping service in 150 U.S. cities. It says bike guides have been the most requested feature for Maps.
The routing will work in a similar way to that for walking, public transit and driving, but will indicate different types of track: dark green for a dedicated off-road cycling track, light green for a designated cycle lane on a road and dashed green for roads which don’t have cycle lanes but are considered preferable for cycling compared with busier roads.
Another tweak for the cycling version of the routing tool is that the estimated journey time is calculated taking account not just of the distance, but also the type of road and the terrain. When selecting the best route, the tool may often suggest a slightly longer distance to avoid excessive slopes.
The feature follows a campaign started by cyclists in Austin, Texas which grew to a petition signed by more than 50,000 people.
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