Use Biking Directions in Google Maps to Plan Your Next Ride

If you are looking for an easy way to plan and map out your next ride, try using Biking Directions in Google Maps.  It has many features that cyclists will find useful.  Trails, bike lanes and bicycle friendly roads are highlighted in green making them easy to see.  You can create a custom route with detailed turn by turn directions, mileage and estimated travel times using drag and drop points.

I recently used Biking Directions in Google Maps to plan a bike route around Minneapolis that included a portion of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway.  It calculated the mileage, travel time and displayed turn by turn directions for the created route. I could print them out or send a link of the map to my phone for reference later out on the trail.  You can even save your maps online for future use.

It can also be a great tool for bike commuters to get to their destinations.  Who says you have to use Google Maps just for motor vehicle driving directions?  Use it to get to where you need to go by bike instead of by car.

Keep in mind that Biking Directions in Google Maps is still in Beta and may not be completely accurate, so use caution.  Google Maps provides a link for you to give them feedback if you encounter any of the following:

• Directions suggest a road that is closed.
• Directions suggest a turn that is difficult or restricted.
• One of the road names is wrong.
• The time estimate is wrong.
• There is something wrong with the map.
• Other.
• Which step mentions the problem?

There is also an option to have them e-mail you when your reported problem is resolved.
 

It's free, easy to use and works all across the United States.  Try it for your next ride and create a new trail to blaze.