Google Maps - Bicycle Navigation

[Arjun at WINK]

Has any one figured out why Google Maps doesn't support bicycle directions? The option is always greyed out. Is it just me or is it with everyone? I ask this as, using a bicycle allows you the flexibility of altering your route when in traffic.

[Sudhir Pai]

Google started motorcycle mode in India recently and might comeup with bicycle navigation mode (in cites) in near future.

The speed difference between motorcycle and bicycle is minimal in Bangalore. Also there are very little routes where only cycles can go and motorcycles can't. So Google might be doing number crunching with their data for the bicycle routing.

As a workaround you can check if the WALK mode helps for your preferred routes.

[berkeleydb]

I think it's a carry over of the maps from countries like US... bike option will be shown, if explicit (legal) bike routes are available. Unless there is a dedicated bike route or bike lane available, biking is_not allowed by default on roads in western countries. So default is, "no bike route".

In India, bikes are allowed by default on most roads; that is_not something Google India maps seems to take into account. Which seems fair, because there maybe legal / safety aspects they need to consider, if they show roads as being bikable by default.

As the other post said, you could like at "motorbike" routes as an alternative.

I am guessing that something similar might apply to walking routes as well. If some road does_not have a footpath, Google India maps may_not show that road in a wakling route; when we know that you can walk along most roads (that too, legally, AFAIK), in India.

-{db}.