Internet-Based Bicycle Routing and Mapping System

GeoPerception, Inc. designed and implemented an Internet-based bicycle routing and mapping system. The systems is capable of generating an optimized "bicycle map" between any two locations within the South Coast AQMD. The website can be accessed free of charge by any cyclist, and is applicable to both the novice and experienced cyclist. The primary feature of the website is the ability to select bicycle-friendly routes from any location within the South Coast AQMD to any other location within the four-county region. The selected routes are presented in the form of color maps, and detailed "turn-by-turn" directions and are selected based upon information provided by the cyclist in their personal profile. Information provided by the cyclist includes level of bicycling expertise, ability to climb hills, etc. The website's routing and mapping algorithm uses this information, along with the geocoded starting location and destination, and recommends a prefered route. The prefered route will include the use of class I,II,and III bicycle routes, as well as streets that are conducive to bicycle use i.e., those that have low traffic volumes, wide shoulders, lower vehicle speeds, etc. Other features of the internet based bicycle routing and mapping system include a community bulletin board, where participating cyclists can exchange information, a "calorie counter" that calculates the amount of energy expended by the cyclists on a given route, a "cost-savings" calculator, which determines the cost savings of using a bicycle compared to an automobile, and an "environmental impact" calculator, which determines the amount of automobile emissions reduced by using the zero-emission bicycle compared to a gasoline automobile.