Why no motorcycle on Google maps???

[cal scott]

Not having motorcycles on Google maps has been a little frustrating as the app does not currently optimize for the ability to lane split or use the car pool lane. Perhaps it optimizes for twistier roads .

A quick search confirmed that Google has added this functionality for Asian countries where motorcycles are more prevalent. So I would surmise that it could be added in the US.

How many of you out there feel this would be of value? Anyone from Google on this forum that might be able to speak to whether this is under consideration.

 

[R3DS!X]

I feel like I can do enough mental maths to figure shit out. Their estimates for bicycle times are way off compared to how I ride. I'm sure they would be off compared to how they think and average ride would split.

 

[orbframe]

id rather it estimate me for a car and then beat it with splitting and carpool... also i don't care

 

[Schnellbandit]

Because it is illegal almost everywhere (in the USA) to lane split? Besides, Google wants to replace your ride with a EV and the reality is you are just in the way.

 

[Aware]

1st world problems.

 

[wally]

open google maps> settings> commute settings> select "drive a motorcycle"
done.
it makes zero difference to estimated times. it tells me its going to take me 35 minutes to get home everyday, it takes 12.

 

[RightCoastBias]

open google maps> settings> commute settings> select "drive a motorcycle"
done.
it makes zero difference to estimated times. it tells me its going to take me 35 minutes to get home everyday, it takes 12.

Google owned Waze does have a moto mode, that accounts for lane splitting.

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/waze-app-updates-with-motorcycle-features

I use it and the times are different for moto vs car. They also tend to be quite accurate.

 

[matjam]

I use Waze motorcycle mode all the time. It works well.

Just remember that it will not reroute you around stopped traffic; it assumes you can split at all times but if the CHP have shut the road down to look for bullet casings, then you'll split to the front then realise doing a U-Turn might look bad.

 

[yumdumpster]

I feel like I can do enough mental maths to figure shit out. Their estimates for bicycle times are way off compared to how I ride. I'm sure they would be off compared to how they think and average ride would split.

I think they assume like 10mph average speed for bicycles, an average road biker probbaly averages closer to 15mph, so yeah its a bit low

 

[budman]

Because it is illegal almost everywhere (in the USA) to lane split? Besides, Google wants to replace your ride with a EV and the reality is you are just in the way.

I think that is true...robot even. Then you can use their services way more often. :laughing

id rather it estimate me for a car and then beat it with splitting and carpool... also i don't care

Pretty much how I feel too. Hell I don't use it now.

 

[flying_hun]

1st world problems.

California problems.

 

[ctwo]

Because it is illegal almost everywhere (in the USA) to lane split? Besides, Google wants to replace your ride with a EV and the reality is you are just in the way.

I was gonna say Google would make more profit just selling the US to the highest bidder, but this seems more tortuous and profitable, so it shall be.:rolleyes

 

[moto-rama]

Google navigation is my preferred application. Why? It gives very specific directions on what lane to use for right or left turns, and is Very Helpful at intersections with a lot of signage.

As for a motorcycle specific version, Waze has got to be the Most Useless application, ever.
Instead of getting you to your destination, it routes you to roads it "Thinks" motorcyclists want to take instead of a direct route. I left my Waze in motorcycle mode once and it had me doing ridiculous detours over backroads...with no "thought" to actually taking me to my destination.

No app will give you suggestions on where it's good to lane-share or filter through. That would involve maintaining a DB with lane widths, and other minutia, not going to happen.

 

[gcvt]

I use Waze motorcycle mode all the time. It works well.

Just remember that it will not reroute you around stopped traffic; it assumes you can split at all times but if the CHP have shut the road down to look for bullet casings, then you'll split to the front then realise doing a U-Turn might look bad.

Hwy 4 is out then.

 

[NeverSayDie]

Google owned Waze does have a moto mode, that accounts for lane splitting.

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/waze-app-updates-with-motorcycle-features

I use it and the times are different for moto vs car. They also tend to be quite accurate.

Have set this up in Waze. Times as of last night with no traffic were still off but the guesstimate is reasonable considering they don't want you to speed and break traffic laws.

 

[Clem Kevin]

Solution: Add time it takes to put on and take off gear, calculate, realize it takes just as long when you have a car.

 

[RightCoastBias]

Solution: Add time it takes to put on and take off gear, calculate, realize it takes just as long when you have a car.

Alameda to SF M-F

Car 45-70 minutes

Moto 22-28 minutes
Gear on and off 6-8 minutes

 

[Junkie]

Alameda to SF M-F

Car 45-70 minutes

Moto 22-28 minutes
Gear on and off 6-8 minutes

I do alameda to sf as well and found that bicycling to the ferry and then from there to work is quicker than driving. 45 minutes door to door for me, and I don't have to deal with traffic.

 

[NCGiant]

Solution: Add time it takes to put on and take off gear, calculate, realize it takes just as long when you have a car.

San Jose to Santa Clara on 101

Car 40-75 minutes
Bike 15-20 minutes
Gear 5 minutes

 

[Clem Kevin]

Dang, y'all should live closer to your jobs!

I commute from Santa Clara to Mountain View. Car takes 20 minutes, bike takes 15 minutes + 3-4 minutes for gear.