Dear cycling enthusiasts everywhere! It is with great excitement that I share with you Google Maps Bike Routes. Much thanks goes to the efforts of googlemapsbikethere.org, who collected over 51,000 signatures asking Google to add biking directions to its maps.

This massive outpouring from cycling lovers prompted Google to take note, and now offers biking routes in 150 American cities in Google Maps.

The new service for cyclists selects a route and calculates estimated cycling times once a user provides the start and end points. Its routing algorithm attempts to select routes that avoid freeways and busy roads, and takes into account bike paths, lanes and bike-friendly streets.

Google Maps will also offer a “view” geared for cyclists that will display bike-friendly routes. A mobile version of the site is likely to follow soon.

Happy Cycling!

Where will you plan to go on your next bike ride adventure?