Google now has bike routes Winnipeg and Assiniboine

[Anders Swanson]

Hi, 

I've been working with the City of Winnipeg and Google to make sure Winnipeg was part of this initiative (it wasn't hard, previous work on the 2009 cycling map provided most of the raw data) . The hardest part was keeping it secret, until now: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Google-to-map-Winnipeg-bike-routes-109956799.html

Note: The routes aren't displayed yet, and there will also be a "bike there" feature (you'll see the little bike symbol show up under "directions"). It will take some time for the routes to be added and for them to be refined. All of the new 2010 infrastructure will also take some time to be added. However, some may have noticed that certain pathways (like the Bois des Esprits, Bishop Grandin Greenway, etc..) started showing up a couple weeks ago. I think there is some integrated feature where users can modify / refine/ suggest alternatives, but I haven't got that far yet. (I am sure you can tweet your route through your iphone too - but who'd want to do that?) 

* * * 

Also, Dan, et al:

FYI, the Assiniboine Bikeway, as of yesterday, was plowed and riding conditions were excellent.

Cheers,

Anders 

Coordinator, One Green City