Issue 5: Safer intersection and connecting links should be prioritised in Google Maps Cycling layer

00:01 Adrian 0 Comments

Summary: Cyclists often use bidirectional offroad paths, pedestrian crossings and other links inaccessible to motor traffic to find safer and more convenient ways to navigate intersections and less safe road conditions - such as multilane roundabouts. Unfortunately, Google Maps Cycling layer has yet to incorporate or prioritise many of these routes if they aren't accessible to motor traffic.

Thus, while experienced cyclists eventually discover these safer and more convenient links, cyclists relying on Google Maps are often directed to use the less safe or more inconvenient road routes available to traffic.

If all types of cycling infrastructure are added to the Cycling layer correctly, many of these preferred routes will be available to see on Google Maps as well as used in Cycling Directions. Some other informal cycling links should also be added so that Google's directions for the most popular and significant cycling routes match the actual paths taken by most cyclists.

Street View - St Georges Rd and Miller St

Details:

1. All bidirectional shared paths should be added and preferred by Cycling Directions to on-road routes especially if part of a recommended bike route

Below you can see the popular cycling route between the St Georges Rd separated bike path and Miller St. Even though these are connected by a bidirectional shared path, Google's Cycling Directions do not show this safe, convenient route can be traversed from north to south.

Cycling Directions - Miller St to St Georges Rd

If the Directions are reversed, Google Maps Cycling Directions chart a route using the roads used by motor traffic:

Cycling Directions - St Georges Rd to Miller St

Even if not relying on Google's Cycling Directions and trying to use the Cycling layer, the feasibility of using the bidirectional shared path to make a safer connection is not apparent. This is because Google Maps does not currently plot Trails that are parallel to roads where they actually reside and only plots them as road features - thus plotting them in the middle of the roadway. This deficiency has been discussed in detail in: Issue 4: Off-road bike paths should be marked as trails not displayed as on-road routes