Google gives bicyclists a lift with new mapping feature that finds best US routes

Google adds bike lane with latest mapping feature

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Google is adding a bike lane with its latest online mapping option.

The new bicycling directions available on Google Maps Wednesday supplement the guidance already provided to motorists and pedestrians. The biking directions initially will be available only for the United States.

Google spent the past six months tweaking its mapping service so it could recommend routes that would steer bicyclists away from big hills and heavily congested streets.

The new feature makes Google the first major Internet mapping service to provide bicycling directions.

Google’s mapping service is the most popular in the U.S., with more than 55 million visitors in February, according to comScore.