Google Maps Bike Routing Feature Released

Caption: Google Maps bike layer indicated in Green

Many have been waiting for Google to release a biking feature in Google Maps. Well, it's here! Under the "More" drop down menu or "Get Directions" bar you can turn on a bicycling layer that reveals bicycling routes. The route colors indicate the following:

• Dark green: dedicated bike-only trail
• Light green: dedicated bike lane along a road
• Dashed green: road designated or preferred for bicycling, but without dedicated lanes

Those who bike will quickly realize the map's deficiencies but Google seems to be well aware that local knowledge is needed to improve how the routes are indicated. Don't like what you see? Is a critical route left out? Are their barriers that need to be taken into account? You can report problems with suggested routes after you hit the "Get Directions" button. Follow the link in the yellow box. (See picture below.)

Though the current iteration of the Google Maps biking feature isn't perfect, it is a great start. Tools such as this create even more access for people who want to bike but need help figuring out their routes. Google's biking feature can only be as good as the information they have so it's important that we share our local knowledge about the best routes in St. Louis. After the upcoming St. Louis Bike Plan is finished, we will have even more up-to-date route information. Perhaps we can submit our full plan to Google?