Is Google Maps the future of accessible travel?

Chloe_Scope

I appreciate that going outside might not be possible. However, Google Maps now has a brand new feature which will be useful for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

You can now select wheelchair accessible routes which will avoid stairs and rough terrain. Also, more information is available about the accessibility.

People can now turn on an “Accessible Places” feature to have wheelchair accessibility information more prominently displayed in Google Maps. When Accessible Places is switched on, a wheelchair icon will indicate an accessible entrance and you’ll be able to see if a place has accessible seating, restrooms or parking. If it’s confirmed that a place does not have an accessible entrance, we’ll show that information on Maps as well.

Here is the full article about accessible places on Google Maps.

Do you think this will help? What features would you want to see? Let us know in the comments below!

1st_Ade

That sounds like a really positive step - Certainly, when I'm allowed to escort my Father from his Care Home (still in lockdown) I'll be testing it for accessible routes to local sites.

Chloe_Scope

1st_Ade said:

That sounds like a really positive step - Certainly, when I'm allowed to escort my Father from his Care Home (still in lockdown) I'll be testing it for accessible routes to local sites.

@1st_Ade!

mikehughescq

Google Maps won’t be an accessible anything until users have the option of changing a blue moving dot travelling along blue lines to another colour. So basic I remain just embarrassed for them. 

Chloe_Scope

mikehughescq said:

Google Maps won’t be an accessible anything until users have the option of changing a blue moving dot travelling along blue lines to another colour. So basic I remain just embarrassed for them. 

A really good point @mikehughescq! 

Ronni

As wheelchair user I like idea.  However it rely on business giving them the details I always have to plan strategically only the to be stopped by a kerb that is no sloping. Or some idiot who park in front of sloping curb I have the way I came search for sloping curb. Sometimes having go on the road.
Added to fact many traffic lights face wrong way and the buttons often road i have go on the road to press button and see the light.
At least someone some where in google was think abouts. It would make what venues go to but not sure if help  with the actually routes to get there. Sure be useful to some though.

mikehughescq

Ronni said:

As wheelchair user I like idea.  However it rely on business giving them the details I always have to plan strategically only the to be stopped by a kerb that is no sloping. Or some idiot who park in front of sloping curb I have the way I came search for sloping curb. Sometimes having go on the road.
Added to fact many traffic lights face wrong way and the buttons often road i have go on the road to press button and see the light.
At least someone some where in google was think abouts. It would make what venues go to but not sure if help  with the actually routes to get there. Sure be useful to some though.

There have been similar issues with mapping accessible toilets. Great idea in theory but in practise...

There’s also a fundamental issue about how of your personal data you want a company like Google to have. I don’t use them for search or email and use a VPN to limit their tracking. I use their mapping because it’s the best there is outside of carrying an actual map but after all these years it remains lacking in so many areas.