Roadmap for cyclists using google maps (request for comments)
 

Hi everybody,

I have been working on a program where people can rate roads via google maps and have pretty much completed the Alpha version. I would be very appreciative of any feedback that anyone could give me.

If the road segment that you want to rate is not already entered into the system input it using the input tab. Then as feedback comes in the road is coloured appropriately to reflect whether it is a good road for cycling (green) or bad road for cycling (red) or has no data (grey)

http://cyclist.brendanpaull.com/
(please note that as it is at Alpha right now, the data is liable to be wiped before release and the data currently entered is not real. Inputted road segments are likely to be kept though)

Spire

How about expanding the rating system a bit. Maybe a designation for a weekend only road, one for bike lanes, and one for closed to cycling. There are roads that are busy during the week, but quiet enough during the weekend to safely ride. In the USA, interstate and other controlled access highways are closed to bicycles with few exceptions. There is one exception along I-95 in South Carolina over Lake Marion to some degree, as the old bridge for US 15/301 is still standing, but closed to motorized vehicles, but left standing to allow for bicycles and hikers to cross the lake without putting them on the highway, and for use as a fishing pier.

i have to say, i like the idea.

Thanks for the idea, that does make sense, I will try and work something into the interface.

I should have added the link earlier, but you can see a lot of the data that I have entered here (I live in Tkyo)

http://cyclist.brendanpaull.com/map/...7252197266/13/

AN easier undo last point would be a nice addition, rather than unloading the whole map and starting over.

That is a good idea, I have added a placeholder for it on the interface and will implement it as soon as a I can (its not as easy to done as one might think)

I don't know if this fits in with your idea. The two worst thing are being stranded with a flat and out of patches and tubes and getting hurt (not hurt enough for an ambulance) and not knowing where to seek help. This is why I like to ride near a bike shop and know where hospitals are. Maybe something that highlights bike shops (possibly showing their hours) and hospitals or other places to get help.

Primitive undo feature added!

I like the idea of tagging, I have set up such a functionality, please let me know if you think that there are some other tags that should be included.

I briefly took a look at the site, looks like a good idea. I agree with DieselDan that a few more options could help tell a more comprehensive story about the road.

So if I wanted to look at road reviews for cycling, I would like to see the condition of the road (cracks, holes, damage, etc.), the traffic (busy, few cars, no cars, etc. & time of day, no cars saturday morning at 8am, a lot of cars saturday morning at 2pm, etc), and the road material (concrete, tar, chipseal, etc.). Maybe even hill tagging...This might be overkill, but just some thoughts, good luck with the site!

I think you are right, more information about the road is key.

I currently have a tag for "dirt" and 3 tags (< 5, 5 < < 10, > 10) for hills. I added a comment box to allow for the ability to type in the exact sort of details that you have mentioned above. Do you think that covers it, or do you want to see more tags?

As long as the option (tag or text box) is there that should cover it, you can always add more options later if you start noticing trends in the text box, because free text boxes are never fun to query!