Saskia Heijltjes

Google maps #fail

Cycling directions include a warning (that is odd and off-putting) while driving directions give you a pat on the back for saving petrol 🤔

Driving directions screenshot in next post

#activetravel #BikeTooter #cycling #cycle #google #ClimateEmergency

Dec 27, 2022 at 8:32pmWeb
Show threadSaskia HeijltjesDec 27, 2022
Driving instructions with chart #greenwashing #Greenwash
Show threadFab On A BikeDec 27, 2022
@saskia Absurd really. Save petrol on your bike ride 🤦‍♂️
I only ever used Google Maps once when cycling to find a hotel...what a waste of time. I prefer Komoot.
Show threadJames HavishamDec 27, 2022
@FabOnABike @saskia And even finding places can be useful with Komoot as it relies on Open Street Maps. I find Google Maps not accurate and not customisable enough for cycling.
Show threadSaskia HeijltjesDec 28, 2022
@awesomeknight @FabOnABike but most people will use Google maps and they'll get these messages 😒
Show threadJames HavishamDec 28, 2022

@saskia @FabOnABike It’s just that Maps main focus is still driving while cycling or walking is a side-product. They could put more effort in offering a good product for all but maybe it doesn’t bring them enough profit or data. 🤷‍♂️

Meanwhile Apple in Germany: cycling not supported for years. Public transport: simple time table, no real time routing.

I think if you want serious routing for types other than driving, you need a different app.

Show threadFab On A BikeDec 28, 2022
@awesomeknight @saskia I agree, Google made quite a big fuss around cycling navigation in the last 2 years and it's basically useless. I know most people use what is on their phone like Google Maps or Apple Maps, but if you really specifically need to plan something for cycling (not only), there are just better solutions
Show threadJohnDec 27, 2022

@saskia 21% sounds wonderful, but it isn't.

https://www.withouthotair.com/c19/page_114.shtml

Ch 19 Page 114: Sustainable Energy - without the hot air | David MacKay

Show threadJohn CarterDec 27, 2022
@saskia the bike directions are definitely lower quality - eg routing cyclists onto the motorway, so a degree of CYA here I think.
Show threadSaskia HeijltjesDec 28, 2022
@therefromhere try harder then. Google could surely try to make walking and cycling directions better and more enticing than the driving directions?
Show threadMatDec 27, 2022
@saskia I've never really trusted Google Maps for cycling directions and instead use #CityMapper or #CycleStreets, both of which make use of the rich cycling data in #OpenStreetMap
Show threadSaskia HeijltjesDec 28, 2022
@okwithmydecay but most people use Google maps, so they'll get this unhelpful message (when cycling) and #greenwashing message when driving 😒
Show threadIαη 🍺Dec 27, 2022
@saskia Google maps #fail. Can't plan a route without Internet access. Leaving me stuck in a remote location, where proper satellite navigation works as normal. Nasty.