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Yeah, this is a serious problem with Google Maps directions. They want to send cyclists down the fastest routes, which are usually the least safe routes. There'

Yeah, this is a serious problem with Google Maps directions. They want to send cyclists down the fastest routes, which are usually the least safe routes. There's a route in Kent, WA that Google was recommending that was downhill on a 45 MPH two-lane street with no shoulder or dividers. Meanwhile, about a mile further south there was this safe, car-free route that wound through residential subdivisions.

rwmj 9y ago
Not just for cyclists. Around here Google Maps will find "shortcuts" through single track back country roads which are especially dangerous in winter by car or bike.
- maxerickson 9y ago
  They will respond to feedback about such roads not being suitable for general traffic. If you are in the US the data problem is likely an artifact of TIGER which has hundreds or thousands of miles of roads that are given a single generic class which ends up being pretty unreliable outside of developed areas.
  - seanp2k2 9y ago
    Even in the Bay Area, it's not hard to get GMaps to try to e.g. route you through a park, a fire road, a private road (the type with HOAs and nasty signs about how they'll prosecute you if you try to drive down their precious street).
- Kihashi 9y ago
  Not that it helps in the moment, but every time that has happened to me, I've reported it to Google and they've changed it.
brookside 9y ago
As a cyclist another large issue I have with google maps is a suggested route's overlay having no transparency, so it's not possible to tell which parts of the route are indeed safer bike lanes and not just riding in traffic. I find myself constantly getting directions, then cancelling the navigation so I can once again see indicated bike lanes and adjust accordingly. A slight opacity on the route indicator would be a godsend.