Google Maps option uses bike-friendly roads

Google this morning added biking directions to Google Maps. The heavily requested feature navigates using not only bike trails but marks and uses roads that are known to be bike-friendly, including both those with bike lanes or those simply recommended for cyclists. Maps goes so far as to factor in hills and to avoid heavy car traffic.

Like with other routing options, directions can be changed and will "snap" to biking routes for those who want to take detours. Coverage is currently limited to the US.

The extra layer is currently in beta and is made possible largely by a recently added terrain base that accounts for elevation. Google hasn't said whether the feature will reach mobile tools like the iPhone's Maps software or Google Maps for Android or webOS, although these already include Google's existing public transit and walking directions.

By Electronista Staff