View this page "IDEA - Commuter's Meet Me Map"

[jett]

I wanted to "prime the pump" with a few technology ideas that are
being knocked around. This "Atlanta Bike Geeks" page describes an
idea that Rebecca Serna and Jett Marks knocked around briefly last
month.

Click on http://groups.google.com/group/atlanta-bike-geeks/web/idea---commuters-meet-me-map
- or copy & paste it into your browser's address bar if that doesn't
work.

An early prototype can be found at http://routes.cycling.jettmarks.com/?tag=commute.

[Bryan D. Payne]

Jett,

I really like this idea. A couple of thoughts that come to mind...

* It might also be interesting to visually overlay information form
the bicycle suitability map. This could be, for example, an optional
layer on the map. But it would allow people to look at their current
route and visually determine if there is a way to improve it by moving
to more suitable roads.

* If you collect approx route start times and average speeds, then you
should be able to estimate which riders / routes will run into each
other... or at least who will be close enough to each other that they
may want to get in touch with each other to think about planning a
group commute into work.

* You could also have options where cyclists could mark the various
sections of their route indicating how bike friendly that part of the
roadway is. This data could be compiled to support advocacy work or
to help with updating future versions of the suitability map.

Cheers,
bryan

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--
Bryan D. Payne
Research Scientist & Graduate Student
Georgia Tech Information Security Center
http://www.bryanpayne.org

[Jett Marks (Home)]

Hey Bryan,

This is exactly the sort of thinking I had hoped might start occurring.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

The Bike Suitability maps are not only one of the most popular publications
for cycling in Atlanta, but are also a big part of my inspiration for
creating on-line tools like this tool. The various suitability maps cover a
rather limited portion of Atlanta and I'd like to broaden the reach and
coverage of those maps.

A visual overlay is a great idea. A knob that only shows certain levels
(green, orange, red) could help avoid clutter.

I also like the idea of calculating and displaying "active" routes given a
particular time of day. For example, if you planned to arrive at your
destination at 8AM on Wednesdays, the map might color code (or bold) the
commuters/routes near the destination that plan to arrive at 8AM on
Wednesdays. Great idea. I lead a "3rd Friday Commute" and had not thought
of that one.

Your idea about getting feedback is something I like. I think of my commute
recreationally, and often look for new roads to try. When considering a
route I haven't ridden, I want to know things like:
- What hills are out there?
- Are there traffic lights where a side street crosses a busy road?
- Temporary or permanent pavement conditions

Sharing good information is one of the things people like about the bike
suitability maps. This tool could go much further and in doing so, could
enhance the suitability maps.

Does this spur other thoughts?

Jett