Northern California - Google Maps Adds Bicycling Routes

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Lanceoldstrong
03-10-10, 11:56 AM
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2010/03/google-maps-biking.html

"...In Google Maps, users can now find "Bicycling" in the tool's "Get Directions" drop-down box..."

A good time waster if nothing else, but I think I will be using it for some ideas.

johnny99
03-10-10, 12:53 PM
Anyone figure out how to create a bike route on the web site, then download it to a smartphone or Garmin GPS?
mtnwalker
03-10-10, 01:38 PM
Tried it, didn't like it. It looks like Google programmed it to make use of MUP's as much as possible. What I've found more useful for cycling is the walking option.

johnny99
03-10-10, 07:02 PM
The walking option usually routes me on to busy streets like El Camino Real. The biking option usually gives a few choices, so you can pick another if the first is too muppy for you.

I wish that Google would differentiate between paved roads an dirt trails, however. When I tried to map a route from Portola Valley to Big Basin State Park, half the route they gave me was on dirt trails. That's great for some people, but it would be nice for them to give you some hints about what is paved and what is not.
GaryNoTrashCoug
03-10-10, 08:20 PM
All I've heard so far is how quirky and awkward the results are when people try it. I finally had a chance to try it just now and it seemed to map out my usual routes just fine. Depends on the area I suppose and apparently, not all of the kinks are ironed out yet.
Rumpled
03-11-10, 11:27 AM
Anyone figure out how to create a bike route on the web site, then download it to a smartphone or Garmin GPS?

If you are familiar with using gpx files with your unit(s); try this
http://www.elsewhere.org/journal/gmaptogpx/
nachomc
03-11-10, 02:41 PM
This rocks pretty hard, btw. I plugged in my address and the address of my office and it gave me a route that included the american river parkway trail just like it should have. Sweet new feature.
Ygduf
03-11-10, 03:09 PM
It's only a matter of time until the media is reporting stories of cyclists driving off cliffs, into the ocean, onto airport runways because of bad directions...

Anyway, I approve. The cycling directs made me aware of a new route I didn't know of utilizing a tunnel under CalTrain tracks I didn't know existed.
SteveE
03-11-10, 11:29 PM
It doesn't know about the Mary Avenue Bridge in Cupertino.

I don't think it's that helpful to experienced riders, since they/we know all the good routes already. It might be useful if you're in an area that's new to you and you haven't contacted anyone on Bike Forums to give you advice.
msincredible
03-12-10, 10:56 AM
Sounds like it might be good when I'm traveling with my folding bike. :thumb:
reidconti
03-15-10, 06:05 PM
Google confirms it: my bike commute sucks. It's sure a good starting point though. It took me a lot of time to develop my crappy route from scratch, wish I had this option back then.
johnny99
03-18-10, 06:25 PM
It doesn't know about the Mary Avenue Bridge in Cupertino.

I don't think it's that helpful to experienced riders, since they/we know all the good routes already. It might be useful if you're in an area that's new to you and you haven't contacted anyone on Bike Forums to give you advice.

I think it is more useful for commuters and utility cyclists than recreational cyclists. If I want to find a good route to a store or a school or a job site, this is a great tool.