Google Maps could soon be a resource for walkers and cyclists in Winnipeg.
The Winnipeg Trails Association, a volunteer-based group, is attempting to map out all routes in the city for people who are walking or riding their bikes.
The group took the project on after Google Maps asked them to map out just a few trails in Winnipeg, and they said they would try to do them all.
The group will be using a trike to map the trails.
“One day Google called and they said ‘hey do you want a 3D crazy GPS-enabled camera with all kinds of weird parts sitting on it and take it around trails in Winnipeg?’ and we said ‘absolutely,’” said Anders Swanson, coordinator/manager of special projects with Winnipeg Trails. “We’ve got staff all summer who will be trying to map our trail network in the same way that (Google) Street View is already mapped.”
Swanson said Winnipeg Trails has been working since 2003 to try to connect Winnipeg’s cycling and walking pathways. He said the current Google Maps project needs to be wrapped up by Aug. 17.
“If you see us out there, we’re probably not gonna stop, we’ll probably keep cruising because we have lots of kilometres to do,” he said.
