Last week the world’s largest search engine began offering its satellite-powered mapping technology to cyclists and runners in 150 U.S cities.

According to the press release “This new feature includes step-by-step bicycling directions, bike trails outlined directly on the map, and a new ‘bicycling’ layer that indicates bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads.”

Previously, Google Maps was limited to helping drivers and mass-transit users. Now, fitness enthusiasts can use the Web-based technology to plan trips or explore biking trails and routes.

“This is the next move in what we think mapmaking should be,” said Jim Lecinski, managing director for Google in the U.S. and former head of Google’s operations in Chicago and the Midwest. “Streets are not just for cars.”

Try it at maps.google.com/biking. Also see ridethecity.com and mapmyride.com.

Google Bike Maps Video Demonstration

[Source: Chicago Tribune]

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