Google "Bike There" is Coming (and it's standing in the saddle)

Google maps recently announced an upgrade. One part of it is the inclusion of more trails and paths (for example, the CCT has been on for awhile, but I think the Mt. Vernon Trail is new, as is the addition of the Anacostia trail system). And Rails to Trails Conservancy is now an "authoritative data source" providing input for base maps. RTC has been gathering GPS data on trails from volunteers for years now and this is a great use of that data. But the best news was this:

Soon we even plan on providing you with biking directions to take advantage of this new data.

And they're letting you become a data source. So if you want to report an error (like Watts Branch Parkway is actually Marvin Gaye Park) you can.

We've found our users are also remarkable data sources themselves, so we've added a new tool to Google Maps that lets you communicate directly with Google about any updates that you think need to be made to our maps. You'll find this "Report a Problem" link on the bottom right of Google Maps (you can also find it by right-clicking on the map). Has that new highway on-ramp finally opened up? Do we have an outdated name for your local school? Was Main Street converted into a pedestrian-only walkway? Tell us! Once we've received your edit or suggestion we'll confirm it with other users, data sources, or imagery. We hope to resolve each edit within a month. If you submit your email address, we'll even keep you posted on our progress.

Comments

[Scott]

Do they need people to bike along the trails taking pictures, for "Street" View? That's a job I'd be down with.

[Bruce W]

Streets will obviously have to be included in any bike routing software that would provide "biking directions." Wonder if Google has software that can evaluate streets by the various Bicycle Level of Service factors like lane width, speed, daily traffic volume, presence of bike lanes, etc. The other option would be to use existing bike maps that include street ratings.