Google Maps gets walkable! (via grist)
Above is an illustration of how useful this function will for barhopping sans drunk-driving.
All you have to do is click the “Walking” option in Google Maps to get directions that recognize pedestrians can walk the wrong way on a one-way street, etc. The function works for trips up to 6.2 miles long — so if you’re training for a 10k, you can easily map out a running route that takes real-time traffic (so you don’t get run over) and terrain into account now.
We’re still waiting on Google Transit for bus and subway directions — as well as a biking directions feature.
Despite LA’s reputation as a drivers-only town, LA makes top 10 list of most walkable cities — with an overall walkability score of 67 of 100. I think the rankings stuck just to bigger cities, because surely the city of Santa Monica’s more walkable than 67? My zip scores an 88.
The more detailed look at the walkability of different LA neighborhoods is pretty interesting. Mid city tops the list with a score of 92, while Bel Air gets a sad 18. The rich (and the people who work for them) have no choice but to drive –
Can’t wait for Google Transit to be up and running in LA. I was playing with the new walking options and stumbled onto this: http://is.gd/11L8
Looks like they’re close. Also, they’re not lying about the rail routes not being entered if you look at the link.
Comment by Dave — July 23, 2008 @ 11:21 am
This is great resource for the carfree! the list of neighborhoods is interesting– definitely makes sense that Bel Air is at the bottom, but in general, I think how close you are to a major boulevard may be more salient than the actual neighborhood. I live off of Pico and while it’s not charming–with its mattress stores and semi-vacant strip malls– it’s very functional for a walker.
Comment by liz — July 23, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
Well the Burbank Bus has been there for a while — The prob is that all the other local transit agencies that connect to it aren’t up yet :(
liz — Isn’t there a Pico beautification effort? Have you seen good things come out of that or is that to come? (or just not happening?)
Comment by Siel — July 23, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
Hi there! I met you at BlogHer and wanted to check out your site. I love this idea of Google “walking” maps. We could use that in Chicago for sure.
Comment by Jessica — July 23, 2008 @ 6:25 pm
In Santa Monica, the Pico medians are planted nicely… I’m not sure if I’ve seen any major changes in the 3 years I’ve lived here, but as long as I’m close to a drugstore, a TJ’s, farmers market, parks, coffee shop, and a good bus line, it can remain ugly and functional and I’m happy. (walk score= 80, but they should add 5 points if one of the things you can walk to is a Trader Joe’s!)
Comment by liz — July 23, 2008 @ 10:07 pm
Jessica — Great meeting you! Are you aware that yr biz card doesn’t actually have yr name on it?! Meaning not even yr first name! Just something I noticed –
liz — I do have to say I’m v. jealous of you south SM people’s access to TJs. They need to open another one closer to me!
Comment by Siel — July 24, 2008 @ 8:43 pm