Google Maps to help cyclists navigate cities

Google is looking to extend its maps service to help people navigate their way around cities even if they are not travelling by car. So far, Google Maps has proven very successful in helping motorists find the way around. The facility helps road users find directions and, thanks to Google Streetview, also lets users see unfamiliar areas before they encounter them in real life.

Google’s extension of Google Maps is set to include those who don’t tend to travel by car. At the moment, the plans are being launched in some of the larger cities in Canada, but if they are successful they will be rolled out elsewhere.

The cities in question boast lots of cycle routes that are used on a daily basis by cyclists and Google wants to help them negotiate their routes. Plans so far indicate that Google will colour code its cycle routes to denote different types of trails. This will include dark green lines for dedicated bike routes, light green lines for cycle paths on roads and dotted green lines for roads often used by cyclists without dedicated bike paths.

Cyclists will also be able to use a facility to help them avoid busy roads and more demanding bike routes.