Today, Google launches “Bicycle directions” on its Google Maps. It will be unveiled at the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C.
In the Emerald City, known for its sustainability practices and “green living,” Seattle was the appropriate launching ground for this innovative mapping feature. In response to over 51,000 signatures on a petition requesting a reliable source of safe bike routes, a Google team based in Fremont, Seattle, Washington developed bicycle route option for Google Maps. The feature enables bicyclists to find safe bike routes within 150 different cities. Routes are based on topography and the amount of energy a rider would need to reach the destination. The routing algorithm selects optimal directions that avoid freeways, busy roads and intersections, and considers bike paths, bike lanes and bike-friendly streets. Such objectives do not necessarily generate the most direct routes. More aggressive or fit cyclists may modify their routes by clicking and dragging the suggested routes to adjacent roads and trails on the map.
Sample Map
Source: TechFlash.com
Bicycling More Than Recreation, It’s Transportation
Bike enthusiasts, including D.L. Byron, publisher of BikeHugger.com, hope this new Google Map feature will promote cycling as a reliable, safe means of transportation.
Google Maps bicycle project lead, Shannon Guymon, said “We are hoping by launching this feature we encourage more bike riding. Giving this data on the maps makes it seem more accessible.”
Safety & Legal Implications
With the potential for stimulating an increase in bike traffic, Google Maps intentionally posts a warning to users of Google Maps bicycle directions, stating “Use caution and please report unmapped bike routes, streets that aren’t suited for cycling and other problems.” This warning immunizes Google Maps from any legal liability for personal injuries caused to bicyclists who relied upon Google Maps directions for a bike route.
Moreover, if Google Maps spurs a growth in bike traffic on roadways, drivers should be mindful to share the road with bicyclists.
Copyright © 2010 The Filutowski Law Firm, PLLC. This post is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. An attorney-client relationship is not created or continued by reading this post. If you would like further information regarding the matters discussed herein, you may post a comment. If you need a consultation on a legal matter, contact Alexandra Filutowski.
I like your post..really informative.. thanks writer
[...] seeks $100,000.00 in damages. This is the first lawsuit against Google. Refer to our recent post on Google Bike Maps and Google expressly disclaiming any liability. According to U.K.’s [...]
thanks for your post, but google maps need more improvement