Google Maps adds bike-friendly routes

The Chicago Tribune reports that today Google Maps will unveil a new service offering bicycle directions for 150 US cities. Bicyclists will be able to use the maps, available at http://maps.google.com/biking , to plan trips or explore biking trails and routes. After typing in start and end points and selecting "Bicycling'' on the drop-down menu, users will be provided with itineraries and estimated travel times. To allow for variations, the step-by-step biking directions factor in the length of the trip, changes in elevation and even fatigue.