NPR story 'bout Google Bike Maps

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tominator on March 31, 2010 at 9:46am

Heard the story. Mirrored my experience with google maps. Put your favorite bike ride in google maps for bikes but just put in the beginning and ending destination and see where it sends you.

I live a block from the lake near Belmont. I ride up to Highland Park and back up the lakefront then to Sheridan. I put in my house and the Starbucks on Sheridan in Wilmette and it sent me on a ridiculous route. Did NOT put me on the lakefront bike path even tho it supposedly favors paths.

Pretty worthless IMHO.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on March 31, 2010 at 10:33am

Google has become worse at suggesting routes since it began. I put in my commute today (North Center to Loop) and every option routes me to the LFP whereas before only the main LFP option did. If I'm going to go out my way to get to the LFP, I'm going to ride it as far as possible. Otherwise, I have many more-direct street routes.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bryan D on March 31, 2010 at 10:51am

Are any of you reporting this to Google? It can't get better without input. I've used it a few times, and if there is a better route (and I'm sure it's actually better, not just what I usually use), then I click the link to send the feedback and let them know what could be better about the route.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by igz on March 31, 2010 at 10:53am

so im guessing its not recognizing bike lanes yet?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Carl on March 31, 2010 at 11:44am

I wonder if it's going to include situations where you can just hop on a sidewalk where a street has been closed, or climb a set of steps, and where it makes sense to connect by going a block or two against a one-way street.

It's a bit like that old Dr. Who joke-
Q: How do you escape a Dalek?
A: Step up on the sidewalk.

• ▶ Reply