Can we easily update Google Maps for cyclists?
 

I really like Google Maps for finding routes for cycle commuting. I just wish I could update my local area, cuz I could probably help some people - I know a lot of nice routes that aren't marked yet!

Does anyone know if there's an easy way to send in info about bike-friendly routes in to Google? I think it has something to do with one of the following links:
http://maps.google.com/help/maps/map...map/index.html
http://www.google.com/mapmaker

Anyone able to figure it out?

I used to use Google Maps but now I use MapMyRide.com which is based on Google Maps with some other features for keeping track of your training, etc. RideWithGPS.com is another and there are many others. I actually prefer RideWithGPS but so much of my data is in MapMyRide that I won't switch over until Jan 1.

I think Google gets all it's bicycle-related information from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Aside from the link in the "bicycling is in beta" blurb, when you get bicycle related directions on the map, I don't know of any method. I don't know of ANY "easy" method for interacting with google on anything, including changing my own profile and settings... ;)

Yes there is. Down in the lower right corner of the map, you should have a "Edit in Google MapMaker" button (you'll need to be logged in first I think). From there, you can add your paths, mark roads as bike-friendly, etc. The changes need to be approved by someone at Google first, but they will show up eventually. In the past, it's taken a week or two for my updates to show up.

Im pretty sure that Google already knows where you are and where you've been, and pretty soon they'll tell you where to go to. ;)

You could also check out ridethecity.com. It has bicycle maps and routes for several cities based on the open-source openstreetmaps.org contributors. It can be updated by anyone.

When you get directions in google maps, at the bottom of the directions is a link titled "Report a problem". When I used this to point out an error, they responded (after several months delay) thanking me for the info, and that they had fixed the item in their mapping database.

I've reported a problem (road dug up and closed to all through traffic across railroad tracks), had them check and affirm the problem... and have it routing me just like before, a full month after my report and their acknowledgement.

Maybe they thought the situation was temporary?

My experience with reporting problems on Google maps has been good. They've responded within a couple weeks that they confirmed the issue and updated their data. And when I've checked by creating a route on the site I've found that they did indeed fix the previous issues.

This is a major flaw with mapping services like Google. I highly recommend looking at OpenCycleMap (from the OpenStreetMap). These open source maps are in many ways better than Google maps. They allow registered users to make changes to the map.

http://opencyclemap.org/

+1

Google is not geared towards up-to-the-minute traffic conditions. Granted a month isn't up-to-the-minute, but the concept of a temporary matter due to construction is what Google is not geared towards. Hence the included disclaimers when you print the maps and route sheets.

I just wish that google would stop labeling stairs as cycling trails. It's not that big of a deal in most cities, but Pittsburgh has some pretty big staircases leading to some of the neighborhoods. Nothing like taking a turn onto a "street" only to see the equivalent of 3-4 flights of stairs in front of you.

Use OpenCycleMap, they clearly identify stairs in routes

That is probably one source of many that they data mine.

I don't bother reporting or recommending routes unless there is something that is totally off from the map- like the road has a one or two block break. The reason why I don't make recommendations is that I'm cognizant of the fact that I'm not the strongest, most confident rider... but I'm not the weakest, paranoid rider, either. The routes I use match my comfort zone :)

I used Google to map my route for a 1000 mile ride last summer. It recommended I cross into Canada by way of a walk-way on top of a lock near Iroquois. Fortunately you can check such things in the satellite view and after a couple of phone calls I was able to determine which actual bridge allows cyclists to cross (Three Nations into Cornwall). Maybe I should let Google know about that.

That is the part of Google maps that I like: the satellite view. I wish there were a "google bike-path view" mode to complement "google street view". I'd volunteer to pedal the paths of madison county towing a google camera-trailer... :D

I use mapmyride sometimes, but I find it to be very slow and clunky compared to Google, so I only use mapmyride when I want an elevation profile for a big ride. I'll have to check out opencyclemap.com

Have you let Google know of the problem? As I noted above, I've found them to be very responsive to issues I've found with their mapping and routing locally. But unless users report issues that are known to us the data they have won't be improved as quickly and accurately as we'd like.

Have you contacted Google with your offer to volunteer? They do have some bicycle trailers devoted to that project.