Google Maps Street View coming to a bike path near you.

While describing the beautiful Monterey Bay Trail to a friend this weekend, I noticed on Google Maps that the trail was actually labeled the “Monterey Bay Coastal Trail” on a whim I moved the little yellow stick figure over to the trail, magically illuminating the trail in the familiar Street View Blue outline. The trail was now transformed into “trail view” mode, highlighting scenic spots along the route. Also user generated photos were displayed in their appropriate locations along the route.

Still excited about this new feature, I imagined how the San Francisco Bay Trail in San Mateo County or the Los Gatos Creek Trail in Santa Clara County might look, but these trails sadly, were not included in Street View. Well, early this morning, while looking up an address on Google Maps I noticed a link titled “Street View Trike Special Collections Poll now open”; which really didn't describe much or even catch my eye at 5:30 AM. But then I noticed the tagline “Tell us where to ride!”. Now that got my attention!

The link described Google's Street View trike outfitted with the now popular 360 degree cameras that have been spotted on streets around the country. The link featured four areas that had already been photographed; Legoland in San Diego County, San Diego State University, the Santa Monica pier, and of course the Monterey Bay Bike Trail. Now Google is asking you to tell them where to ride. Google Maps will be inviting suggestions until October 28, 2009. After that time, the public will be able to cast their vote for their favorite location. So SVBC members, send Google a suggestion of your favorite bike trail or commuting route. Just think, with Street View photos it may be easier to describe your favorite route to your friend.

Google Maps trail suggestions open until Wednesday, October 28th.