The New York Times announced today that Google is finally making it possible for you to plan your travel route by bike through Google Maps. Google has added the mapping ability in 150 cities (even Louisville!) and plans to unveil the service during the National Bike Summit in Washington. The unveiling will be followed by a group ride at the annual music debacle, South by Southwest down in Austin, Texas.

One thing that could backfire on riders who are more akin to taking the quickest route possible is Google’s routing algorithm. The algorithm attempts to select directions that avoid freeways and busy roads and intersections, while also taking into account bike paths, bike lanes and bike-friendly streets and even routing around hills. Nothing more American than taking the easiest way possible I suppose. Although, I do understand what they’re shooting for here, I just have to throw some pessimism in there somewhere, right?

Of course it’s hard to say whether this will have an effect on the general public’s idea of bicycling be a viable form of transportation, but it sure as hell won’t hurt. Hopefully this helps to get us on the right track to somewhere.