Online map reveals Beijing cycle routes, encourages low-carbon travel

This month Friends of Nature launched the Beijing Cycle Map as part of their Low-Carbon Transport inititive. David Jiang, a representative from FON's technology partner Silk Road (link in Chinese), spoke with us about the project:

"The application allows users to draw their cycle route on an interactive map and add descriptive information such as text and pictures. Once the path is saved, other users are able click on the path and vote for its safety, noise level, air quality, scenery, and right-of-way for cyclists. Eventually, the application will evaluate all the roads in Beijing to identify those most suitable for cycling, and provide this information to the public. Besides drawing their cycle route, users can easily mark places of interest the map, such as bicycle parking areas, scenic spots, parks, dangerous places, pollution sites, etc."

The interface is mainly in Chinese, although streets and landmarks are labelled on the map in both Chinese and English. The application was developed using the Google Maps API.