Keen cycling enthusiasts will be happy to hear that Google Maps will now include directions for the best cycling routes. Americans have had access to the feature since 2010 but it is now being extended to Australia and Europe. Popular cycling routes will be included on desktop Maps and Google Android Maps.
The maps will feature cycle friendly routes which will hopefully avoid hilly routes. Kai Hansen, the product manager wrote on the Google blog:
“We know how popular cycling is in many parts of the world, so we wanted to include as much bike trail data as possible to provide efficient routes, allow riders to customise their trips, make use of bike lanes, calculate rider-friendly routes that avoid big hills and busy roads and to customise the look of the cycling map to encourage people to hop on their bikes.”
The biking directions legend has been updated with information about roads which are recommended, lanes and bike trails to help users to become familiar with the route. If users are looking for recreation, the feature makes it easier to locate trails. Cyclists are being asked b y Google to add updates to Google Maps with useful information. This might include a route which is particularly suitable for cycling or frequently used cycling routes.
Google is always making updates to products and services, improving user experience. Some of those improvements can have an effect on a business which features Google in its search engine optimisation (SEO) campaign, which is why a company should be aware of all Google initiatives.
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