Skip to content

Going Green

Earth Day 2012 - Google directs people to get on their bikes

by Adrian Bishop 19 Apr 2012
Earth Day 2012 - Google directs people to get on their bikes

Get on your bike for Earth Day - Bicycle rider image via Shutterstock

Search engine giant Google is encouraging people to get on their bikes for Earth Day - and indeed every day.

Via Google Maps, cyclists can discover safe, new routes by using the Biking Directions tab, helping reduce their carbon footprints.

Earth Day 2012 on Sunday 22nd April, is the perfect time for cyclists to find bike trails and lanes, avoid hills (should they wish) and bypass busy roads - all of which Biking Directions offers, says Google.

Visitors to Google Maps can search for best cycle routes in 150 American cities and some regions of Canada and those with smartphones can download a mini version and use it on the go.

Google Maps offers other ways of eco-friendly travel through the Transit section that provides details of the fastest public transport options in more than 470 cities worldwide. Users can plan their route using times of arrival and departure, transfer options and can even receive fare calculations and live bus times.

Another useful feature of Google Maps is the Traffic layer that provides drivers with live traffic information so they can avoid wasting fuel in jams.

Drivers of electric cars can enter the search term "ev charging station in [your city]" and Google Maps will reveal the nearest charging stations.

For those in the UK, cycle route information is available using the Transit area of Google Maps. UK Google Maps offers car, public transport and walking route planner options.

For full details on the features and availability of Google Maps, go to the support page.

More than one billion people worldwide are set to take part in the 42nd Earth Day and have pledged to participate in 'a billion acts of green' to help protect the planet and demand a more sustainable future.

A campaign spokesman says, "For Earth Day 2012 we are mobilizing the planet simply to say one thing: the Earth won't wait. It seems that environmental issues have been put on the back burner as we are in the midst of a global recession. It is time for us to Mobilize the Earth™ and speak with one voice, one message."

Taking up the cycling theme, many people around the world have promised to use the bicycle to get to work instead of the car. Others say they will plant gardens and eat more local food.

The highest-profile Earth Day event is the Mobilize the Earth rally in Washington DC.

The National Mall seven-hour event from 12 noon features veteran performers Cheap Trick and Dave Mason, plus Kicking Daisies and The Explorers Club.

Speakers include the Rev. Jesse Jackson, American footballer, Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli, Indy Car driver Leilani Munter and Denis Hayes, who organised the first Earth Day in 1970.

If you can't make it to the rally, it will be streamed live on the Earth Day website.

More information on using Google Maps biking directions; Credit: © Google


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping