You want ride your bike, but you simply have no idea how to go about finding a safe route. Sound familiar? Google is coming to the rescue with new Google Maps options deliver optimized directions for bicycles.
The new feature does more than simply connect Point A with Point B. The software selects routes based on the availability and safety of routes specific for bicycles. First, it considers bicycle-only paths that are off-limits to cars. If there are no bicycle routes available, the software looks for roads with demarcated bike lanes. It also gives preference to flatter routes over steeper ones. The service also helps you discover new bike paths, which it highlights in (appropriately enough) green.
Still thinking that bicycle commuting sounds impractical? Allow us to help!
- Spring bicycle tuneup Dig your faithful wheels out of storage now for a pre-spring tuneup, so you'll be ready to roll at the first hint of sunshine.
- No-sweat bicycle commuting What you need to boost you along to your destination (minus the sweat) is a little motorized nudge.
- 5 ways your city can be bike-friendly What can communities like mine do to ensure they're friendly to bicycle commuters? The League of American Bicyclists makes it simple with its 5-E rating system.
- Super-size your bike Bikes for plus-sized and large people easily support more weight, feel more comfortable and safe and can inspire larger people to exercise. It's size with attitude—that, plus fitness and mobility.
- 5 ways to use your bike to carry stuff You're committed to the environment and you're doing your part by riding your bike more places. Great! Only problem: what to do when you need to carry stuff?
How we can green our Summer
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One of the nice features about the new Google bicycle routing scheme is allows you to make suggestions for anything their system overlooks. With time the community of bike riders will make this much better. It is a terrific announcement.
If you are looking to start biking and are hunting for a bike, I strongly recommend going to a real bike shop to have a bike fitted to you. Little things can make a huge difference and it is generally free although sometimes they might charge a bit for parts substitutions (like different handlebars). This is particularly true for women's bikes. Not many companies make women specific designs. They aren't appropriate for some women and, if fact, some men work out better on WSDs, but important stuff to consider.
If you are investing in a green ride it makes sense to find one that will last and that you will enjoy enough to use regularly.
So true, Steve. Thanks for coming by and commenting. I'm especially enthusiastic about the bikes I linked at the end of the article made for heavier people. What a great way to get moving!
It is great when a family can drop a car. We're down to one car - it isn't practical for us to be lower unless we were in an urban region, but we only put about 4000 miles a year on the one car we have. Getting the are around here to be more bike friendly is extremely slow going. No one sees a need and simple needs like "where do I park my bike safely" aren't addressed. It is interesting to see how Northern Europe made a turn towards bikes starting in the mid 70s -- it took nearly 15 years before bike use would be classified as heavy. We have a long way to go - even in places like Portland. But the good news is there is some progress.
The points about bikes for heavier people and ebikes for those who can't ride for longer distances or who want to avoid sweat are important. Many people don't even imagine biking being possible for them. We recently met some people who retired to Arizona - both in their mid 60s and not in terribly good physical shape. Between the two of them they have three cars, but 90% of their errands are within a couple of miles. Dumping two cars would add thousands $ in savings and probably years to their lives. The first few months might be tough, but they'd find themselves getting in shape. He is quite heavy and something like one of the sturdy bikes shown would probably be useful in his case.
Colleen, my partner in a few environmental projects (we tilt at windmills together), has been trying to excite kids about using bikes ... it gives them more freedom and it happens to be fun. Trek became interested in this project and a gardening project and made a custom bike for her. She happens to be very tall and regular bike frames don't fit. Trek engineered a variation on one of their eco designs (everything is recyclable on the bike). They presented it to her about a month ago... here is her blog entry:
http://www.6footsix.com/my_weblog/2010/02/trek-is-here.html
So if you see a really tall woman smiling ear to ear on a blue bike, wave to Colleen for me.
Seriously, I blame Tyra & Beyonce for this lace front wigs and full lace wigs epidemic. Tyra & Beyonce have definitely had their lace wigs and lace front wigs share of lace front mishaps, but for the most part.