Google Maps has launched a cycle-specific routing on its Maps feature in theUK, including National Cycle Network routes.
A “bicycling” option will appear in the “bird’s eye view” menu (alongside traffic, photos, weather, terrain), allowing users to see cycle routes in their area.
These will be divided into bike trails (where there are no motor vehicles), streets with bike lanes and streets recommended for cyclists.
The US has had the ‘Bicycling option on Google Maps’ turn-by-turn journey planner since 2010. The UK gets it today.
The bike journey option joins the public transport, walking and driving options. Originally called ‘Bike There’ when it launched in the US, Google’s bike routing service is now called ‘Bicycling’.
Google has worked with Sustrans, the cycling charity, to plot most of Britain’s existing cycle lanes. City councils and government departments have also provided data.
Ed Parsons, geospatial technologist at Google UK said: “We know how popular cycling is in London and the rest of the UK, which is why we are thrilled to bring cycling directions to Google Maps.
“Thanks to Sustrans, we now have thousands of miles of trails and routes, as well as bike lanes and recommended streets for cities across the country. “We’ll continue to add new trail information and urge commuters to swap their car for a bike as they can now find a convenient route that makes use of dedicated bike tracks and avoid hills whenever possible.”
Sustrans’ Chief Executive, Malcolm Shepherd said: “Google has given cycling equal status to driving and using public transport – we need our politicians and local councils to do the same.”
