Searching for cycling directions in Google Maps. Click for larger view. (Credit: Google)

A new Google Maps feature, developed in Seattle, will offer bike-friendly directions to cyclists across the U.S. -- routing them to trails, bike lanes and less-busy streets, and helping them avoid steep hills, freeways and other potential problems when they ride. In addition to directions, the company is also offering an optional bicycling map view in Google Maps to let cyclists see potential routes by looking at the map.

Apart from being a handy tool, it's a big moment for cycling, which now joins driving, public transit and walking as the primary modes of transportation for which the search giant provides directions. The team that made the feature is based in a Google office overlooking the Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood.

Google is rolling out the feature tonight, as a beta. It will be available at first only for web browsers, but the team is also working on a native mobile version. Cycling directions will work throughout the U.S., and Google has partnered with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to provide more detailed information for about 150 cities.

Cycling directions have been one of the most-requested features for Google Maps, said Shannon Guymon, product manager for the Google Maps Directions team. The company readily acknowledges that it won't be able to please every cyclist, particularly the hard-core riders who might prefer to tackle those big hills or ride on a busy street if it means getting to their destination more quickly.

"There's a whole spectrum of cycling styles, I know." Guyman said. "We've had to choose something that strikes an appropriate balance. Our algorithm tends to be a little more conservative. We've tried to tune it for the broader population."

At the same time, it will be possible for users to adjust their route by dragging it across the map after getting directions. The Google Maps Directions team will also be adding to new data over time and taking into account feedback submitted through the "Report a problem" button in the lower right of the Google Maps interface.

People will be able to select bicyling directions from a drop-down menu when they search. The bicycling map view will show bike trails in dark green, streets with bike lines in a lighter shade of green, and bike-friendly streets as dotted line.

One Seattle-based cycling advocate said he's happy about the feature.

"It's another step toward making the bicycle a sustainable tool for community change," said DL Byron of BikeHugger.com, which is hosting the Google bike-directions team at upcoming cycling events. For example, he noted, people will be able to find good bike routes even if they're new to a region.

"We think it fits with Google's message of Don't Be Evil," Byron said. "What could be more evil for our planet than driving a car when you could ride or walk your bike somewhere?"