Today, Google launched a bike route mapping option to their popular Google maps resource, and Austin was included in the cities with this option in its initial roll out. Google has been on the forefront of adding alternative transportation to their mapping programs with walking and transit options available in the last few years in addition to driving directions. The mapping identifies bike only paths, streets with bike facilities, and other recommended bike friendly streets and also importantly takes topography into account with suggestions that attempt to avoid steep hills.

They have done this project in conjunction with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and have a “Report a Problem” tool to allow you to suggest changes when the route Google produces need changing. Based on listserv and forum discussions going on today, there are already several Austin specific changes that will need to be made including most obviously the inclusion of the Hike & Bike Mopac bridge and the Shoal Creek trail system.