Google has added a bicycle route mapping feature to Google Maps. So say your daughter has her sights set on graduating from Wellesley High School and going straight to Wellesley College, here’s a selection of 1.8 to 2.3 mile routes that will take 11 to 13 minutes. Or if there’s someone you don’t like, you might send the person on a death-defying trip down Rte. 16 from Wellesley Square to Elm Bank Reservation.
The Google bicycle maps program is in beta testing. It features icons you can click on to get Google Earth pictures that zoom in on your route.
Oh, the By Bicycle feature is in beta testing and clearly needs help.
Click-and-grab on the suggested route to re-route to side streets, if that’s what you desire.
However, side streets have more exposure at intersections and driveways, so you aren’t really increasing safety by doing that, but you may increase the pleasantness of your ride.
I’d personally prefer Route 16 towards South Natick than take Central to Wellesley College. The lanes are narrow (it should be single lane with a shoulder and added turn lanes at the lights and at Bacon Street), and while sight lines are better than on Route 16, the speed limit is higher and people tend to drive more far aggressively on Route 135.
Mostly the pavement is in terrible condition which is a bigger factor in safety than any of the other roadway conditions.
Google Maps can only do so much to map a bike-route by GIS and other data sets and brilliant algorithms.
Knowing how to ride and developing skills makes the greatest difference in safety. Behavior trumps facilities.
Death-defying? Enough with the hyperbole.
Start here to get a clue: Street Smarts
Driving a car is also death-defying. Don’t forget to wear your helmet.