Google maps: Cycle friendly

[Clint]

I apologize if this is old news, but I was unaware of it until recently and it's quite helpful.

If you go to http://maps.google.com, click "Get directions" and enter your starting point and destination, it will default to the shortest slab route.

However, there's also a check box for "Avoid highways". This will almost certainly yield a better, if longer, ride. So give it a try if you're not in a hurry.

[mailman1175]

I apologize if this is old news, but I was unaware of it until recently and it's quite helpful.

If you go to http://maps.google.com, click "Get directions" and enter your starting point and destination, it will default to the shortest slab route.

However, there's also a check box for "Avoid highways". This will almost certainly yield a better, if longer, ride. So give it a try if you're not in a hurry.

FWIW, almost all the online mapping tools have the "avoid highways" option. And you're right: It is helpful.

[Wilbur]

That's funny. I just noticed this today for the first time, and I've been using it forever.

Another cool Google maps feature is to use the hybrid view to spot all the "interesting"  areas to ride. I live in an area that is close to, but not actually in, some mountains and using Google I can find which general area I want to go to, then start looking for roads.

Of course just about any online mapping program will do this I think.

[Capirex]

That's funny. I just noticed this today for the first time, and I've been using it forever.

It was just recently added.