Open Cycle Map

I happen to like maps. If you don't share this trait, then I suggest you move on. You could watch the MC SpandX video "Performance" instead (thanks to BikeSnobNYC). As for the rest of you, look at this image of the OpenCycleMap layer of OpenStreetMap, a collaborative online map project, which seems to have Google beat when it comes to marking cycling routes.

Contributers (aka map nerds) go around with their GPS devices and map out features and routes. These then get uploaded (along with other public domain map information) to the OpenStreetMap website with a bit of tweaking. Local Toronto map nerds have been doing a good job on the cycling features of Toronto as of late. I decided to join in on the fun and edit the Moore Park Ravine trail which needed some corrections.

The link above defaults to the cycling layer which shows the Toronto Bikeway Network routes in transparent blue with floating route numbers. The paths are displayed as blue dotted lines or with a transparent blue stripe when they are part of the numbered network. The roads with a solid blue outline are the on-road bike lanes.

Other websites can use OpenStreetMap to roll their own maps. CloudMade provides directions which you can also use for cyclists and pedestrians. It works fairly well though it might not always map out directions that you'd actually want to take, and it doesn't offer you the option of staying to paths or to take a more direct route on roads. For that you'd have to convince (perhaps with money) CycleStreets of the UK or Ride the City (with maps for NYC, Chicago and Austin) to add Toronto. Both sites has a great cycle map and destination planner based on OpenStreetMap that allows you to choose the type of route: safe or direct. CycleStreets in particular provides a very detailed trip planner.

Still I think there is still a place for our own Google mashup of bike routes since it allows you to choose which layers you'd like to explore and the bike lanes and paths look a bit more distinct. No one, however, is standing still. Perhaps Google is quietly adding bike paths into their maps.