Google adds bike lane with latest mapping feature

[phantom power]

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- Google Inc. is adding a bike lane with its latest online mapping option.

The new bicycling directions available on Google Maps starting Wednesday supplement the guidance already provided to motorists and pedestrians. The biking directions initially will be available only for the United States.

Google spent the past six months tweaking its mapping service so it could recommend routes that would steer bicyclists away from big hills and heavily congested streets. The feature can be used to pinpoint bicycling trails in more than 150 cities.

Bike directions already have been available on some smaller Web sites, but Google is the first major Internet mapping service provider to add the option.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/10/AR2010031000022.html?wpisrc=nl_pmtech

[cliffordu]

1. THIS IS FUCKING STELLAR. EXCELLENT.

[Robb]

2. This is amazingly cool.

...BRIGHT green, BTW, on Maps.

[sakabatou]

3. Huzzuh! This is what I wanted!

[onehandle]

4. Fantastic. Too bad our bike lane systems suck.

Suck, suck, suck.

[The River]

5. They Show Very Few

of the bike lanes or paved paths available
in my town. It is a good beginning though.

[kestrel91316]

6. It's about time.

[onehandle]

7. FYI: This is computer only. No mobile device support.

Which makes this pretty mediocre.

Google. Thinking like and becoming a little more Microsoft, everyday.