This Just In: googlemaps for bikes!

[SadieKate]

Sure, like any mapping program, it's nowhere remotely near perfect. Ummm, maybe that's why it's a beta release?

Jo, I'm not talking about the beta or even the bicycling program. Google just doesn't provide accurate maps, directions or recent images in Oregon, period. Doesn't matter whether you're driving, walking, or biking. I have a hard time believing this is unique to Oregon.

[tulip]

I have found google maps to be quite accurate in Virginia, DC, Maryland, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Just proceed with caution, a backup map, and a bit of humor, as you would in any unfamiliar area.

[IFjane]

I have found google maps to be quite accurate in Virginia, DC, Maryland, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Just proceed with caution, a backup map, and a bit of humor, as you would in any unfamiliar area.

What Tulip said! Also, note that, just as with Google maps driving directions, the bike maps also let you drag & drop to change your route. Very helpful if you already have some idea of the area you are in.

My recent experience with Mapquest is that they don't know where I live - yet Google does.

As for the comment about Mapmyrun/ride: did you let them know about the virus? Shouldn't that ad be removed? I am a member so don't have to worry about ads, but still, it could happen somewhere else. ack!

[Mr. Bloom]

I routed a ride to Indianapolis from Bloomington.

It took me straight up Highway 37 (the location of the drafting incident in Breaking Away). Suffice it to say that "that ain't gonna happen"...right Indysteel???

But, I found the trails and bike routes to be accurate and appropriate. Personally, I think it's a great start and I'm glad that they're doing it - even if it's not perfect yet.

Perfection will be achieved when a small group of more knowledgable local riders in each community start contributing to improving it from good to great.

[Tri Girl]

I just googled the route I take downtown, and it had me going on two VERY busy (and totally inappropriate) roads. The way I go isn't even on there and while it might be a couple miles longer, it's on residential streets with little to no traffic.
I think it's a great concept- and perhaps with a little input it will be even better. I mean- they can't know EVERY community in America. That's where we come in to suggest better routings.

[andtckrtoo]

I just routed the ride I did from San Jose to Santa Cruz last week and it had me doing pretty much the same route. It took me the back way out of my neighborhood across a busy street where there is no traffic light (but there are bike lanes), but hey, it's pretty accurate. Although, as Google's HQ is here in the Bay Area, the accuracy here is not surprising.

I've never had issues with GoogleMaps here in California either. Although, my tool of choice is my iPhone map because that goes with me on rides - wish they had the same feature. I do like the "You are Here" on the iPhone which has saved my butt many a time.

[OakLeaf]

Google's model is moving more and more toward wiki, so user contributions are everything. That'll be especially the case with the bicycling routes. Did you see the box to report problems, including "streets that aren't suited for cycling" and "turns that are difficult or restricted"? I'd encourage all of us to contribute! I am.

[GLC1968]

I have a hard time believing this is unique to Oregon.

It might be. Google was our tool of choice when we lived in NC and we never had an issue - ever. That's why we were so shocked how lousy it was when we moved here...