Google Maps Now Offers Walking Directions

Got directions but want to walk the distance instead of driving? Well, we're glad to see that Google Maps has now added a new walking option for directions, thanks to popular demand. Similar to getting driving directions, after entering your origin and destination, click "Walking" at the top left panel. You can see an example of this in action here. You can also drag the purple line around if you want to go by another specific route. Done, and done. (But maybe they will add a bicycling option soon.)

Via ::Google Maps Help Group

Related Links on Walking, Google
Walk Score Ranks The Top 10 Most Walkable Cities in the U.S.
Walk Score: Cool Green Google Map Mashup
TH Forums: Is Driving Better Than Walking?

Comments

[recruitgal]

Nice! Well done Google...

[NealMaffei]

It's about time.. For the vast majority of people here in New York, who don't even own a car, google maps was pretty much useless until now! By the way, while we're at it... those of us here in the Northeast, are gobsmacked when all you west coast "greenies" go on about how "green" you are. How you drive a hybrid and replace the lighbulbs in your massive energy sucking homes with "green" alternatives.. We just laugh. The vast majority of people in this city don't even own a car. We walk, bike or take the subway to work. It is actually a hassle to have a car here. Even the wealthy shun them. We also live in energy sipping smaller multiple family dwellings that use far less energy to heat and/or cool. And we've been living like this for years. And now we are reaping the rewards. We haven't had as hard a time coping with the rising energy costs. Sure the prices of our food and goods have gone up. But we don't even have to think about gas prices!!!! Even the "greenest" of people in other places in this country have a far larger carbon footprint the average New Yorker. And the added bonus is that we are not trapped in our cars isolated from our neighbors. We actually have a chance to talk and interact with our fellow man!

[vipersdad]

You can use it for bike routes by selecting the "avoid highways" option. Walking routes will be even more suitable for bikes.

Great stuff Google!

[circles]

Awesome, use it to plot a bike route as well.