Using Google Maps & the cycling routes - Beware!

[tonythomson]

I was so excited when Google Maps started giving routes for bicycles and have very successfully plotted routes with them.  However, Last week one of the roads they sent me on didn't exist and I ended up in a private plantation, trespassers to be prosecuted by the Sheriff!! Having gone several miles on a very hot Florida day I was not overly impressed but fortunately, one of the Mexican workers said he could show me a way through the forest on some narrow sandy lanes.  Just about managed to keep up with his buggy but he got me through.  What a hero - shame we beat you at soccer yesterday.

MORE concerning was that the proposed route through Akron Oh would have taken me though a very dangerous area for gangs etc - luckily a local was able to put me right.

I like this development from Google but just wanted to warn others to double check where it sends you. 

[jcostanz]

I had it route me from Letchworth State Park, NY to Lewiston Ny and it added about 50miles (50% more)to the route vs a more direct route.  It is basicly North West.  Google had the route going North East until it reached the Erie Canal Path and then heading west.

Google bicycling routing seems to over prefer trails to roads so much so that it will add over 50% to the distance to travel just to use the trail.

Google maps street view is very helpful to confirm that the item(campground, store, ect) is actually where the map says it is or that the road exists.

It is nice to actually find trails with, but I will keep using Delorme's TOPO to do my routing.  I can add the trails found in Google to delorme when they actually help.

[staehpj1]

Google bicycling routing seems to over prefer trails to roads so much so that it will add over 50% to the distance to travel just to use the trail.

Google maps street view is very helpful to confirm that the item(campground, store, ect) is actually where the map says it is or that the road exists.

It is nice to actually find trails with, but I will keep using Delorme's TOPO to do my routing.  I can add the trails found in Google to delorme when they actually help.

The Google maps bicycle option could benefit from more options.  Personally I would like to be able to check a box to tell it to NOT try to find bike trails and just pick suitable roads only suggesting bike paths if they are a direct route and then only if paved.