Bike Friendly Richardson

Urban Velo reports that Google has now added “Bicycling” to their maps. Now you have an option to help you choose a bike route to your destinations.

On closer inspection of “bicycling” filter of Richardson, it looks to only show some bike trails. However, the coolest feature is when I map a route – it actually finds a safe option that mixes bike trails with low-traffic roads. What’s even cooler is they give you an option to give them feedback.

From Google:
Bicycling directions are in beta. Use caution and please report unmapped bike routes, streets that aren’t suited for cycling, and other problems.

Overall, they’ve succeeded in recognizing that there are alternate modes of transportation and routes that accommodate them. This type of innovation and progress is why I love Google Maps over the others.