Updating the Chicagoland Bicycle Map

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on September 10, 2009 at 12:33pm

That is great news. I have relied on this map more than once to find routes outside Chicago city limits

How about an online version, preferrably integrated with Google Maps? I do understand that the map was used as a draw for (new) membership and a revenue generator for ATA.
But it is my understanding that Google pays the CTA for it's route data (and then recoups the investment by placing ads next to your search) Have you researched selling the map data to Google?
I would think there could be a few advantages:
- less paper maps, meaning less of an environmental impact.
- a bigger audience. Everybody with a internet connection could access the map. Not just people that have a paper copy

You could still print paper maps (if the economics are there), because sometimes a map is just nicer to work with.
Frank

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Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on September 10, 2009 at 3:37pm

Thanks for the thoughts/ideas, Frank. I will pass them to Carolyn.

As you mention, the map is given away as a member benefit when folks sign up with Active Trans ($30 Premium level), so an online version may not be feasible for us. I believe we are planning to make the next version a tear-proof paper so they travel better.

We have partnered with the RTA on their online route planner, www.goroo.com, and hopefully soon they will launch bike and walk routing options that come from our regional map. This will allow a larger audience to be able to take advantage of the routes for free.

Still, having an actual version allows our members or anyone who purchases a map more extensive routing options like being able to look at Metra stops and planning rides that start from locations away from your regular riding area.

I agree with you that sometimes a map is nicer to work with.

Thanks much,
Ethan, with Active Trans

Duppie said:

That is great news. I have relied on this map more than once to find routes outside Chicago city limits

How about an online version, preferrably integrated with Google Maps? I do understand that the map was used as a draw for (new) membership and a revenue generator for ATA.
But it is my understanding that Google pays the CTA for it's route data (and then recoups the investment by placing ads next to your search) Have you researched selling the map data to Google?
I would think there could be a few advantages:
- less paper maps, meaning less of an environmental impact.
- a bigger audience. Everybody with a internet connection could access the map. Not just people that have a paper copy

You could still print paper maps (if the economics are there), because sometimes a map is just nicer to work with.
Frank

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Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on September 10, 2009 at 3:41pm

You are certainly welcome to email Carolyn directly with your offer to volunteer for field work, regardless of your current membership status. We would certainly appreciate the help.

carolyn@activetrans.org

Thanks so much,
Ethan, with Active Trans.

Kristian M Zoerhoff said:

Do we have to be current ActiveTrans members? I live out in Kane County, so I wouldn't have much luck getting into the city for meetings, but I'm up for field checking routes out here and proofing maps.

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Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on September 11, 2009 at 11:48am

Are you planning on researching existing bicycle maps available for the area? Wilmette has its own bicycle map, for example, as does Evanston and Lake County, just to name a few.

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Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on September 11, 2009 at 2:45pm

Yes, that is part of the plan. We work with a lot of the region's municipalities and will be partnering on map work wherever possible.

http://www.activetrans.org/consulting

Carolyn Helmke
Director of Planning
Active Transportation Alliance
carolyn@activetrans.org
Phone: 312-427-3325 X227

Matt M. said:

Are you planning on researching existing bicycle maps available for the area? Wilmette has its own bicycle map, for example, as does Evanston and Lake County, just to name a few.

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